[27] For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction: and faith and meekness are his delight. [28] Distrust not the fear of the Lord when thou art poor: and come not unto him with a double heart. [29] Be not an hypocrite in the sight of men, and take good heed what thou speakest. [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.
Chapter 2
[1] My son, if thou come to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for temptation. [2] Set thy heart aright, and constantly endure, and make not haste in time of trouble. [3] Cleave unto him, and depart not away, that thou mayest be increased at thy last end. [4] Whatsoever is brought upon thee take cheerfully, and be patient when thou art changed to a low estate. [5] For gold is tried in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of adversity. [6] Believe in him, and he will help thee; order thy way aright, and trust in him. [7] Ye that fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and go not aside, lest ye fall. [8] Ye that fear the Lord, believe him; and your reward shall not fail. [9] Ye that fear the Lord, hope for good, and for everlasting joy and mercy.
[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? [11] For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, longsuffering, and very pitiful, and forgiveth sins, and saveth in time of affliction. [12] Woe be to fearful hearts, and faint hands, and the sinner that goeth two ways!
[13] Woe unto him that is fainthearted! for he believeth not; therefore shall he not be defended. [14] Woe unto you that have lost patience! and what will ye do when the Lord shall visit you?
[15] They that fear the Lord will not disobey his Word; and they that love him will keep his ways. [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. [17] They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and humble their souls in his sight, [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.
Chapter 3
[1] Hear me your father, O children, and do thereafter, that ye may be safe. [2] For the Lord hath given the father honour over the children, and hath confirmed the authority of the mother over the sons. [3] Whoso honoureth his father maketh an atonement for his sins: [4] And he that honoureth his mother is as one that layeth up treasure.
[5] Whoso honoureth his father shall have joy of his own children; and when he maketh his prayer, he shall be heard. [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. [7] He that feareth the Lord will honour his father, and will do service unto his parents, as to his masters.
[8] Honour thy father and mother both in word and deed, that a blessing may come upon thee from them. [9] For the blessing of the father establisheth the houses of children; but the curse of the mother rooteth out foundations. [10] Glory not in the dishonour of thy father; for thy father’s dishonour is no glory unto thee. [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.
[12] My son, help thy father in his age, and grieve him not as long as he liveth. [13] And if his understanding fail, have patience with him; and despise him not when thou art in thy full strength. [14] For the relieving of thy father shall not be forgotten: and instead of sins it shall be added to build thee up. [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.
[16] He that forsaketh his father is as a blasphemer; and he that angereth his mother is cursed: of God.
[17] My son, go on with thy business in meekness; so shalt thou be beloved of him that is approved. [18] The greater thou art, the more humble thyself, and thou shalt find favour before the Lord. [19] Many are in high place, and of renown: but mysteries are revealed unto the meek. [20] For the power of the Lord is great, and he is honoured of the lowly.
[21] Seek not out things that are too hard for thee, neither search the things that are above thy strength. [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. [23] Be not curious in unnecessary matters: for more things are shewed unto thee than men understand. [24] For many are deceived by their own vain opinion; and an evil suspicion hath overthrown their judgment. [25] Without eyes thou shalt want light: profess not the knowledge therefore that thou hast not.
[26] A stubborn heart shall fare evil at the last; and he that loveth danger shall perish therein. [27] An obstinate heart shall be laden with sorrows; and the wicked man shall heap sin upon sin. [28] In the punishment of the proud there is no remedy; for the plant of wickedness hath taken root in him. [29] The heart of the prudent will understand a parable; and an attentive ear is the desire of a wise man.
[30] Water will quench a flaming fire; and alms maketh an atonement for sins. [31] And he that requiteth good turns is mindful of that which may come hereafter; and when he falleth, he shall find a stay.
Chapter 4
[1] My son, defraud not the poor of his living, and make not the needy eyes to wait long. [2] Make not an hungry soul sorrowful; neither provoke a man in his distress. [3] Add not more trouble to an heart that is vexed; and defer not to give to him that is in need. [4] Reject not the supplication of the afflicted; neither turn away thy face from a poor man. [5] Turn not away thine eye from the needy, and give him none occasion to curse thee: [6] For if he curse thee in the bitterness of his soul, his prayer shall be heard of him that made him. [7] Get thyself the love of the congregation, and bow thy head to a great man. [8] Let it not grieve thee to bow down thine ear to the poor, and give him a friendly answer with meekness.
[9] Deliver him that suffereth wrong from the hand of the oppressor; and be not fainthearted when thou sittest in judgment. [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.
[11] Wisdom exalteth her children, and layeth hold of them that seek her. [12] He that loveth her loveth life; and they that seek to her early shall be filled with joy.
[13] He that holdeth her fast shall inherit glory; and wheresoever she entereth, the Lord will bless. [14] They that serve her shall minister to the Holy One: and them that love her the Lord doth love. [15] Whoso giveth ear unto her shall judge the nations: and he that attendeth unto her shall dwell securely. [16] If a man commit himself unto her, he shall inherit her; and his generation shall hold her in possession. [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. [18] Then will she return the straight way unto him, and comfort him, and shew him her secrets. [19] But if he go wrong, she will forsake him, and give him over to his own ruin.
[20] Observe the opportunity, and beware of evil; and be not ashamed when it concerneth thy soul. [21] For there is a shame that bringeth sin; and there is a shame which is glory and grace. [22] Accept no person against thy soul, and let not the reverence of any man cause thee to fall. [23] And refrain not to speak, when there is occasion to do good, and hide not thy wisdom in her beauty.
[24] For by speech wisdom shall be known: and learning by the word of the tongue. [25] In no wise speak against the truth; but be abashed of the error of thine ignorance. [26] Be not ashamed to confess thy sins; and force not the course of the river. [27] Make not thyself an underling to a foolish man; neither accept the person of the mighty. [28] Strive for the truth unto death, and the Lord shall fight for thee.
[29] Be not hasty in thy tongue, and in thy deeds slack and remiss. [30] Be not as a lion in thy house, nor frantick among thy
servants. [31] Let not thine hand be stretched out to receive, and shut when thou shouldest repay.
Chapter 5
[1] Set thy heart upon thy goods; and say not, I have enough for my life. [2] Follow not thine own mind and thy strength, to walk in the ways of thy heart: [3] And say not, Who shall control me for my works? for the Lord will surely revenge thy pride. [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] Concerning propitiation, be not without fear to add sin unto sin: [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.
[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. [8] Set not thine heart upon goods unjustly gotten, for they shall not profit thee in the day of calamity.
[9] Winnow not with every wind, and go not into every way: for so doth the sinner that hath a double tongue. [10] Be stedfast in thy understanding; and let thy word be the same. [11] Be swift to hear; and let thy life be sincere; and with patience give answer. [12] If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbour; if not, lay thy hand upon thy mouth. [13] Honour and shame is in talk: and the tongue of man is his fall. [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. [15] Be not ignorant of any thing in a great matter or a small.
Chapter 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. [2] Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart; that thy soul be not torn in pieces as a bull straying alone. [3] Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave thyself as a dry tree.
[4] A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies. [5] Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking tongue will increase kind greetings. [6] Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand.
[7] If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him. [8] For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not abide in the day of thy trouble. [9] And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife will discover thy reproach. [10] Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not continue in the day of thy affliction. [11] But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself, and will be bold over thy servants. [12] If thou be brought low, he will be against thee, and will hide himself from thy face.
[13] Separate thyself from thine enemies, and take heed of thy friends. [14] A faithful friend is a strong defence: and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure. [15] Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend, and his excellency is invaluable. [16] A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear the Lord shall find him. [17] Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright: for as he is, so shall his neighbour be also.
[18] My son, gather instruction from thy youth up: so shalt thou find wisdom till thine old age. [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. [20] She is very unpleasant to the unlearned: he that is without understanding will not remain with her. [21] She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial; and he will cast her from him ere it be long. [22] For wisdom is according to her name, and she is not manifest unto many.
[23] Give ear, my son, receive my advice, and refuse not my counsel, [24] And put thy feet into her fetters, and thy neck into her chain. [25] Bow down thy shoulder, and bear her, and be not grieved with her bonds. [26] Come unto her with thy whole heart, and keep her ways with all thy power. [27] Search, and seek, and she shall be made known unto thee: and when thou hast got hold of her, let her not go. [28] For at the last thou shalt find her rest, and that shall be turned to thy joy. [29] Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee, and her chains a robe of glory. [30] For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are purple lace. [31] Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour, and shalt put her about thee as a crown of joy.
[32] My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be taught: and if thou wilt apply thy mind, thou shalt be prudent. [33] If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise, [34] Stand in the multitude of the elders; and cleave unto him that is wise. [35] Be willing to hear every godly discourse; and let not the parables of understanding escape thee. [36] And if thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes unto him, and let thy foot wear the steps of his door. [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 owns desire.
Chapter 7
[1] Do no evil, so shall no harm come unto thee. [2] Depart from the unjust, and iniquity shall turn away from thee.
[3] My son, sow not upon the furrows of unrighteousness, and thou shalt not reap them sevenfold. [4] Seek not of the Lord preeminence, neither of the king the seat of honour. [5] justify not thyself before the Lord; and boast not of thy wisdom before the king. [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] Offend not against the multitude of a city, and then thou shalt not cast thyself down among the people. [8] Bind not one sin upon another; for in one thou shalt not be unpunished. [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. [10] Be not fainthearted when thou makest thy prayer, and neglect not to give alms.
[11] Laugh no man to scorn in the bitterness of his soul: for there is one which humbleth and exalteth. [12] Devise not a lie against thy brother; neither do the like to thy friend. [13] Use not to make any manner of lie: for the custom thereof is not good. [14] Use not many words in a multitude of elders, and make not much babbling when thou prayest. [15] Hate not laborious work, neither husbandry, which the most High hath ordained. [16] Number not thyself among the multitude of sinners, but remember that wrath will not tarry long. [17] Humble thyself greatly: for the vengeance of the ungodly is fire and worms. [18] Change not a friend for any good by no means; neither a faithful brother for the gold of Ophir. [19] Forego not a wise and good woman: for her grace is above gold. [20] Whereas thy servant worketh truly, entreat him not evil. nor the hireling that bestoweth himself wholly for thee.
[21] Let thy soul love a good servant, and defraud him not of liberty. [22] Hast thou cattle? have an eye to them: and if they be for thy profit, keep them with thee. [23] Hast thou children? instruct them, and bow down their neck from their youth. [24] Hast thou daughters? have a care of their body, and shew not thyself cheerful toward them. [25] Marry thy daughter, and so shalt thou have performed a weighty matter: but give her to a man of understanding. [26] Hast thou a wife after thy mind? forsake her not: but give not thyself over to a light woman.
[27] Honour thy father with thy whole heart, and forget not the sorrows of thy mother. [28] Remember that thou wast begotten of them; and how canst thou recompense them the things that they have done for thee? [29] Fear the Lord with all thy soul, and reverence his priests. [30] Love him that made thee with all thy strength, and forsake not his ministers. [31] Fear the Lord, and honour 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. [32] And stretch thine hand unto the poor, that thy blessing may be perfected. [33] A gift hath grace in the sight of every man living; and for the dead detain it not. [34] Fail not to be with them that weep, and mourn with them that mourn. [35] Be not slow to visit the sick: fir that shal
l make thee to be beloved. [36] Whatsoever thou takest in hand, remember the end, and thou shalt never do amiss.
Chapter 8
[1] Strive not with a mighty man’ lest thou fall into his hands. [2] Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh thee: for gold hath destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings. [3] Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire. [4] Jest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced. [5] Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that we are all worthy of punishment. [6] Dishonour not a man in his old age: for even some of us wax old. [7] Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead, but remember that we die all. [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.
[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. [10] Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the flame of his fire. [11] Rise not up in anger at the presence of an injurious person, lest he lie in wait to entrap thee in thy words [12] Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself; for if thou lendest him, count it but lost. [13] Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay it. [14] Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him according to his honour. [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.
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