The Proverbs

Chapter links: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Proverbs Chapter 1

1:1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

1:2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

1:3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

1:4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

1:6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

1:9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

1:11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

1:12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:

1:13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:

1:14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:

1:15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:

1:16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

1:17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

1:18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.

1:19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

1:20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:

1:21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,

1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

1:23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

1:25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

1:26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

1:27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

1:28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

1:32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

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Proverbs Chapter 2

2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

2:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

2:3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

2:4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

2:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

2:8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

2:9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

2:10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

2:11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

2:12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;

2:13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;

2:14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;

2:15 Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:

2:16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;

2:17 Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.

2:18 For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.

2:19 None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

2:20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.

2:21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.

2:22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

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Proverbs Chapter 3

3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

3:2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

3:4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

3:14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

3:15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

3:16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

3:18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

3:19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

3:20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

3:21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

3:22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

3:23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

3:24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

3:25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

3:26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

3:27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

3:28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

3:29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

3:30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

3:31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

3:32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

3:33 The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.

3:34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

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Proverbs Chapter 4

4:1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

4:2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.

4:3 For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.

4:4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

4:6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.

4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

4:8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

4:9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

4:10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.

4:11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

4:12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

4:14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.

4:15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

4:16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.

4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.

4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

4:19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

4:20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

4:21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

4:22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

4:24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

4:25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

4:27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

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Proverbs Chapter 5

5:1 My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:

5:2 That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.

5:3 For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:

5:4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.

5:5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.

5:6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.

5:7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.

5:8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

5:9 Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:

5:10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;

5:11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,

5:12 And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

5:13 And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!

5:14 I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

5:15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.

5:16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.

5:17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.

5:18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

5:19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

5:20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?

5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

5:22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

5:23 He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

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Proverbs Chapter 6

6:1 My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

6:2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

6:3 Do this now, my son, deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.

6:4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.

6:5 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

6:6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

6:7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

6:8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

6:9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

6:10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

6:11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

6:12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.

6:13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;

6:14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.

6:15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.

6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

6:20 My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

6:21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

6:22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

6:24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

6:25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

6:26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.

6:27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

6:28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?

6:29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.

6:30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;

6:31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

6:32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

6:33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

6:34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

6:35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

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Proverbs Chapter 7

7:1 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.

7:2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.

7:3 Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

7:4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:

7:5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

7:6 For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,

7:7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,

7:8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,

7:9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:

7:10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

7:11 (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

7:12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

7:13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,

7:14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.

7:15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.

7:16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.

7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

7:18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.

7:19 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:

7:20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.

7:21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

7:22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

7:23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.

7:24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.

7:25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.

7:26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.

7:27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

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Proverbs Chapter 8

8:1 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

8:2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

8:3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

8:4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

8:5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

8:6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

8:7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8:8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

8:9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

8:10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

8:12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

8:15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

8:16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

8:18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

8:19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

8:21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

8:22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

8:24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

8:25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

8:26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

8:27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

8:28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

8:29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

8:30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

8:31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

8:32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

8:34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

8:35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

8:36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

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Proverbs Chapter 9

9:1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

9:2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.

9:3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,

9:4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

9:5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

9:6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

9:9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

9:11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

9:12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

9:13 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

9:14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

9:15 To call passengers who go right on their ways:

9:16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

9:17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

9:18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.

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Proverbs Chapter 10

10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

10:3 The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

10:4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

10:5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

10:6 Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

10:7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

10:8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

10:9 He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

10:10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

10:11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

10:13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

10:14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

10:15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

10:16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

10:17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

10:18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

10:20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

10:23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

10:24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

10:25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

10:26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.

10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

10:28 The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

10:29 The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

10:30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

10:31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

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Proverbs Chapter 11

11:1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.

11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

11:4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

11:5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

11:6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.

11:7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.

11:8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

11:9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

11:10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

11:11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

11:12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

11:15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

11:16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.

11:17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

11:18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

11:19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.

11:20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

11:21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

11:22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

11:23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

11:24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

11:26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

11:27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.

11:28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

11:29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

11:31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

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Proverbs Chapter 12

12:1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

12:2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

12:3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

12:4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

12:6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

12:7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

12:8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

12:9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

12:10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

12:11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

12:12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

12:13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

12:16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

12:17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

12:19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

12:20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

12:21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

12:23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

12:24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

12:26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

12:27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

12:28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

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Proverbs Chapter 13

13:1 A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

13:2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.

13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

13:5 A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

13:6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

13:7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

13:8 The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

13:9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

13:11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

13:13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

13:14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

13:16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

13:17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

13:18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

13:19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.

13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

13:21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repaid.

13:22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.

13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

13:25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

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Proverbs Chapter 14

14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

14:2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.

14:3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

14:5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

14:6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.

14:7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

14:10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.

14:11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.

14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

14:13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.

14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

14:15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

14:16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

14:17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

14:18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

14:19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

14:20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.

14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

14:22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

14:23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

14:24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.

14:25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

14:26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

14:27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

14:28 In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.

14:29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

14:30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

14:31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

14:32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

14:33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

14:35 The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

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Proverbs Chapter 15

15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

15:5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

15:6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

15:7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

15:10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

15:11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?

15:12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

15:14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

15:15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

15:16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

15:19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

15:20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

15:21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

15:23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it !

15:24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

15:25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

15:26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

15:28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

15:31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

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Proverbs Chapter 16

16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

16:4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

16:10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.

16:11 A just weight and balance are the LORD'S: all the weights of the bag are his work.

16:12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

16:14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

16:15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

16:19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

16:20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.

16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

16:22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

16:23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

16:26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.

16:27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

16:29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

16:30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

16:31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

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Proverbs Chapter 17

17:1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

17:2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.

17:3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

17:4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.

17:5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

17:7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

17:8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

17:10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

17:11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

17:12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

17:13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

17:14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

17:15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.

17:16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it ?

17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

17:18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

17:19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

17:20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

17:23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

17:24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

17:25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

17:26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

17:27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

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Proverbs Chapter 18

18:1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

18:2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

18:3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

18:4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

18:5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

18:6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

18:7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

18:9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

18:11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

18:16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

18:17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

18:18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

18:20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

18:23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

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Proverbs Chapter 19

19:1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

19:2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

19:3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.

19:4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

19:6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

19:7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.

19:8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

19:10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

19:12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

19:14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

19:15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

19:16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

19:19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.

19:20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

19:22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

19:23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

19:24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

19:26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

19:27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

19:28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

19:29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

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Proverbs Chapter 20

20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

20:2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.

20:3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

20:8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

20:9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

20:10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.

20:11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.

20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

20:14 It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

20:15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

20:16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

20:17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

20:18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

20:19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

20:20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

20:21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

20:23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.

20:24 Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?

20:25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.

20:26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

20:27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

20:28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.

20:29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.

20:30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.

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Proverbs Chapter 21

21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

21:3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

21:5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

21:6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

21:7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

21:8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

21:10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

21:12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

21:13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

21:14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

21:15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

21:16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

21:17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

21:18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

21:21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

21:22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

21:24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

21:26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

21:28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

21:29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

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Proverbs Chapter 22

22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

22:2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

22:3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.

22:5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

22:8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

22:9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

22:10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

22:11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

22:12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

22:13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

22:14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

22:16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

22:17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

22:18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

22:19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

22:20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

22:21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

22:22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

22:23 For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

22:24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

22:25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

22:26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

22:27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

22:28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

22:29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

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Proverbs Chapter 23

23:1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:

23:2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.

23:3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

23:4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

23:5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

23:6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:

23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

23:8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.

23:9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

23:10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

23:11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

23:12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

23:14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

23:15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

23:16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

23:17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

23:18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

23:19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.

23:20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

23:21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

23:22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

23:24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

23:25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

23:27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.

23:28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

23:30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

23:31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

23:32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

23:33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

23:34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

23:35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

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Proverbs Chapter 24

24:1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

24:2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

24:3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

24:4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

24:6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

24:7 Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.

24:8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.

24:9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

24:10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

24:11 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;

24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it ? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it ? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

24:13 My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

24:14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

24:15 Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:

24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

24:17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

24:18 Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

24:19 Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;

24:20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

24:21 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

24:22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

24:23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

24:24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

24:25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

24:26 Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.

24:27 Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.

24:28 Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

24:29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

24:30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

24:31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

24:32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.

24:33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

24:34 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

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Proverbs Chapter 25

25:1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

25:3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

25:4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

25:5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

25:6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

25:7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

25:8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

25:9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

25:10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

25:12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

25:14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

25:15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

25:16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

25:17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

25:18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

25:20 As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

25:22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

25:23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

25:24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

25:25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

25:26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

25:27 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.

25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

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Proverbs Chapter 26

26:1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

26:2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

26:3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

26:6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.

26:7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

26:8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.

26:9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

26:10 The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

26:11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

26:12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

26:13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

26:14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.

26:15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

26:16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

26:17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

26:18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,

26:19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

26:21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

26:22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

26:23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

26:24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

26:25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

26:26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

26:27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

26:28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

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Proverbs Chapter 27

27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

27:2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

27:3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.

27:4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

27:5 Open rebuke is better than secret love.

27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

27:7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

27:8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

27:10 Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

27:11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

27:12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

27:13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

27:14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.

27:15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

27:16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.

27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

27:18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.

27:19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.

27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

27:21 As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.

27:22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

27:23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

27:24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?

27:25 The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.

27:26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.

27:27 And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

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Proverbs Chapter 28

28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

28:2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

28:3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

28:4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

28:6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

28:7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

28:8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

28:10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

28:11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

28:12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

28:14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

28:15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

28:16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

28:17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

28:18 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

28:19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

28:21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

28:22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

28:23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

28:24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

28:26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

28:27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

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Proverbs Chapter 29

29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

29:3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.

29:4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

29:5 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

29:6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

29:7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

29:8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

29:9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

29:10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

29:11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

29:12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

29:13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.

29:14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

29:16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

29:17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

29:19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

29:20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

29:21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

29:22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

29:24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

29:26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.

29:27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

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Proverbs Chapter 30

30:1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,

30:2 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.

30:3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.

30:4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

30:7 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:

30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

30:9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

30:10 Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.

30:11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.

30:12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

30:13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.

30:14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

30:15 The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:

30:16 The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.

30:17 The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

30:18 There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:

30:19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.

30:20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

30:21 For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:

30:22 For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;

30:23 For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.

30:24 There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:

30:25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

30:26 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

30:27 The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

30:28 The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.

30:29 There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

30:30 A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

30:31 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.

30:32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

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Proverbs Chapter 31

31:1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

31:2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

31:3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

31:5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

31:6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

31:8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

31:13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

31:14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

31:19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

31:25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

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