[7] Praise no man before thou hearest him speak; for this is the trial of men. [8] If thou followest righteousness, thou shalt obtain her, and put her on, as a glorious long robe. [9] The birds will resort unto their like; so will truth return unto them that practise in her. [10] As the lion lieth in wait for the prey; so sin for them that work iniquity. [11] The discourse of a godly man is always with wisdom; but a fool changeth as the moon. [12] If thou be among the indiscreet, observe the time; but be continually among men of understanding. [13] The discourse of fools is irksome, and their sport is the wantonness of sin. [14] The talk of him that sweareth much maketh the hair stand upright; and their brawls make one stop his ears. [15] The strife of the proud is bloodshedding, and their revilings are grievous to the ear.
[16] Whoso discovereth secrets loseth his credit; and shall never find friend to his mind. [17] Love thy friend, and be faithful unto him: but if thou betrayest his secrets, follow no more after him. [18] For as a man hath destroyed his enemy; so hast thou lost the love of thy neighbour. [19] As one that letteth a bird go out of his hand, so hast thou let thy neighbour go, and shalt not get him again [20] Follow after him no more, for he is too far off; he is as a roe escaped out of the snare. [21] As for a wound, it may be bound up; and after reviling there may be reconcilement: but he that betrayeth secrets is without hope. [22] He that winketh with the eyes worketh evil: and he that knoweth him will depart from him. [23] When thou art present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire thy words: but at the last he will writhe his mouth, and slander thy sayings. [24] I have hated many things, but nothing like him; for the Lord will hate him.
[25] Whoso casteth a stone on high casteth it on his own head; and a deceitful stroke shall make wounds. [26] Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that setteth a trap shall be taken therein. [27] He that worketh mischief, it shall fall upon him, and he shall not know whence it cometh. [28] Mockery and reproach are from the proud; but vengeance, as a lion, shall lie in wait for them. [29] They that rejoice at the fall of the righteous shall be taken in the snare; and anguish shall consume them before they die. [30] Malice and wrath, even these are abominations; and the sinful man shall have them both.
Chapter 28
[1] He that revengeth shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surely keep his sins in remembrance. [2] Forgive thy neighbour the hurt that he hath done unto thee, so shall thy sins also be forgiven when thou prayest. [3] One man beareth hatred against another, and doth he seek pardon from the Lord? [4] He sheweth no mercy to a man, which is like himself: and doth he ask forgiveness of his own sins? [5] If he that is but flesh nourish hatred, who will intreat for pardon of his sins? [6] Remember thy end, and let enmity cease; remember corruption and death, and abide in the commandments. [7] Remember the commandments, and bear no malice to thy neighbour: remember the covenant of the Highest, and wink at ignorance. [8] Abstain from strife, and thou shalt diminish thy sins: for a furious man will kindle strife,
[9] A sinful man disquieteth friends, and maketh debate among them that be at peace. [10] As the matter of the fire is, so it burneth: and as a man’s strength is, so is his wrath; and according to his riches his anger riseth; and the stronger they are which contend, the more they will be inflamed. [11] An hasty contention kindleth a fire: and an hasty fighting sheddeth blood. [12] If thou blow the spark, it shall burn: if thou spit upon it, it shall be quenched: and both these come out of thy mouth.
[13] Curse the whisperer and doubletongued: for such have destroyed many that were at peace. [14] A backbiting tongue hath disquieted many, and driven them from nation to nation: strong cities hath it pulled down, and overthrown the houses of great men. [15] A backbiting tongue hath cast out virtuous women, and deprived them of their labours. [16] Whoso hearkeneth unto it shall never find rest, and never dwell quietly.
[17] The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones. [18] Many have fallen by the edge of the sword: but not so many as have fallen by the tongue. [19] Well is he that is defended through the venom thereof; who hath not drawn the yoke thereof, nor hath been bound in her bands. [20] For the yoke thereof is a yoke of iron, and the bands thereof are bands of brass. [21] The death thereof is an evil death, the grave were better than it. [22] It shall not have rule over them that fear God, neither shall they be burned with the flame thereof. [23] Such as forsake the Lord shall fall into it; and it shall burn in them, and not be quenched; it shall be sent upon them as a lion, and devour them as a leopard. [24] Look that thou hedge thy possession about with thorns, and bind up thy silver and gold, [25] And weigh thy words in a balance, and make a door and bar for thy mouth. [26] Beware thou slide not by it, lest thou fall before him that lieth in wait.
Chapter 29
[1] He that is merciful will lend unto his neighbour; and he that strengtheneth his hand keepeth the commandments. [2] Lend to thy neighbour in time of his need, and pay thou thy neighbour again in due season. [3] Keep thy word, and deal faithfully with him, and thou shalt always find the thing that is necessary for thee. [4] Many, when a thing was lent them, reckoned it to be found, and put them to trouble that helped them. [5] Till he hath received, he will kiss a man’s hand; and for his neighbour’s money he will speak submissly: but when he should repay, he will prolong the time, and return words of grief, and complain of the time. [6] If he prevail, he shall hardly receive the half, and he will count as if he had found it: if not, he hath deprived him of his money, and he hath gotten him an enemy without cause: he payeth him with cursings and railings; and for honour he will pay him disgrace. [7] Many therefore have refused to lend for other men’s ill dealing, fearing to be defrauded. [8] Yet have thou patience with a man in poor estate, and delay not to shew him mercy. [9] Help the poor for the commandment’s sake, and turn him not away because of his poverty.
[10] Lose thy money for thy brother and thy friend, and let it not rust under a stone to be lost. [11] Lay up thy treasure according to the commandments of the most High, and it shall bring thee more profit than gold. [12] Shut up alms in thy storehouses: and it shall deliver thee from all affliction. [13] It shall fight for thee against thine enemies better than a mighty shield and strong spear. [14] An honest man is surety for his neighbour: but he that is impudent will forsake him. [15] Forget not the friendship of thy surety, for he hath given his life for thee. [16] A sinner will overthrow the good estate of his surety: [17] And he that is of an unthankful mind will leave him in danger that delivered him.
[18] Suretiship hath undone many of good estate, and shaken them as a wave of the sea: mighty men hath it driven from their houses, so that they wandered among strange nations. [19] A wicked man transgressing the commandments of the Lord shall fall into suretiship: and he that undertaketh and followeth other men’s business for gain shall fall into suits. [20] Help thy neighbour according to thy power, and beware that thou thyself fall not into the same.
[21] The chief thing for life is water, and bread, and clothing, and an house to cover shame. [22] Better is the life of a poor man in a mean cottage, than delicate fare in another man’s house. [23] Be it little or much, hold thee contented, that thou hear not the reproach of thy house. [24] For it is a miserable life to go from house to house: for where thou art a stranger, thou darest not open thy mouth. [25] Thou shalt entertain, and feast, and have no thanks: moreover thou shalt hear bitter words: [26] Come, thou stranger, and furnish a table, and feed me of that thou hast ready. [27] Give place, thou stranger, to an honourable man; my brother cometh to be lodged, and I have need of mine house. [28] These things are grievous to a man of understanding; the upbraiding of houseroom, and reproaching of the lender.
Chapter 30
[1] He that loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the rod, that he may have joy of him in the end. [2] He that chastiseth his son shall have joy in him, and shall rejoice of him among his acquaintance. [3] He that teacheth his son grieveth the enemy: and before his friends he shall rejoice of him. [4] T
hough his father die, yet he is as though he were not dead: for he hath left one behind him that is like himself. [5] While he lived, he saw and rejoiced in him: and when he died, he was not sorrowful. [6] He left behind him an avenger against his enemies, and one that shall requite kindness to his friends.
[7] He that maketh too much of his son shall bind up his wounds; and his bowels will be troubled at every cry. [8] An horse not broken becometh headstrong: and a child left to himself will be wilful. [9] Cocker thy child, and he shall make thee afraid: play with him, and he will bring thee to heaviness. [10] Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow with him, and lest thou gnash thy teeth in the end. [11] Give him no liberty in his youth, and wink not at his follies. [12] Bow down his neck while he is young, and beat him on the sides while he is a child, lest he wax stubborn, and be disobedient unto thee, and so bring sorrow to thine heart. [13] Chastise thy son, and hold him to labour, lest his lewd behaviour be an offence unto thee.
[14] Better is the poor, being sound and strong of constitution, than a rich man that is afflicted in his body. [15] Health and good estate of body are above all gold, and a strong body above infinite wealth. [16] There is no riches above a sound body, and no joy above the joy of the heart. [17] Death is better than a bitter life or continual sickness. [18] Delicates poured upon a mouth shut up are as messes of meat set upon a grave.
[19] What good doeth the offering unto an idol? for neither can it eat nor smell: so is he that is persecuted of the Lord. [20] He seeth with his eyes and groaneth, as an eunuch that embraceth a virgin and sigheth. [21] Give not over thy mind to heaviness, and afflict not thyself in thine own counsel. [22] The gladness of the heart is the life of man, and the joyfulness of a man prolongeth his days. [23] Love thine own soul, and comfort thy heart, remove sorrow far from thee: for sorrow hath killed many, and there is no profit therein. [24] Envy and wrath shorten the life, and carefulness bringeth age before the time.
[16] I awaked up last of all, as one that gathereth after the grapegatherers: by the blessing of the Lord I profited, and filled my winepress like a gatherer of grapes. [17] Consider that I laboured not for myself only, but for all them that seek learning. [18] Hear me, O ye great men of the people, and hearken with your ears, ye rulers of the congregation. [19] Give not thy son and wife, thy brother and friend, power over thee while thou livest, and give not thy goods to another: lest it repent thee, and thou intreat for the same again. [20] As long as thou livest and hast breath in thee, give not thyself over to any. [21] For better it is that thy children should seek to thee, than that thou shouldest stand to their courtesy. [22] In all thy works keep to thyself the preeminence; leave not a stain in thine honour. [23] At the time when thou shalt end thy days, and finish thy life, distribute thine inheritance.
[24] Fodder, a wand, and burdens, are for the ass; and bread, correction, and work, for a servant. [25] If thou set thy servant to labour, thou shalt find rest: but if thou let him go idle, he shall seek liberty. [26] A yoke and a collar do bow the neck: so are tortures and torments for an evil servant. [27] Send him to labour, that he be not idle; for idleness teacheth much evil. [28] Set him to work, as is fit for him: if he be not obedient, put on more heavy fetters.
[29] But be not excessive toward any; and without discretion do nothing. [30] If thou have a servant, let him be unto thee as thyself, because thou hast bought him with a price. [31] If thou have a servant, entreat him as a brother: for thou hast need of him, as of thine own soul: if thou entreat him evil, and he run from thee, which way wilt thou go to seek him?
Chapter 31
[1] The hopes of a man void of understanding are vain and false: and dreams lift up fools. [2] Whoso regardeth dreams is like him that catcheth at a shadow, and followeth after the wind. [3] The vision of dreams is the resemblance of one thing to another, even as the likeness of a face to a face. [4] Of an unclean thing what can be cleansed? and from that thing which is false what truth can come? [5] Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams, are vain: and the heart fancieth, as a woman’s heart in travail. [6] If they be not sent from the most High in thy visitation, set not thy heart upon them. [7] For dreams have deceived many, and they have failed that put their trust in them. [8] The law shall be found perfect without lies: and wisdom is perfection to a faithful mouth. [9] A man that hath travelled knoweth many things; and he that hath much experience will declare wisdom. [10] He that hath no experience knoweth little: but he that hath travelled is full of prudence. [11] When I travelled, I saw many things; and I understand more than I can express. [12] I was ofttimes in danger of death: yet I was delivered because of these things.
[13] The spirit of those that fear the Lord shall live; for their hope is in him that saveth them. [14] Whoso feareth the Lord shall not fear nor be afraid; for he is his hope. [15] Blessed is the soul of him that feareth the Lord: to whom doth he look? and who is his strength? [16] For the eyes of the Lord are upon them that love him, he is their mighty protection and strong stay, a defence from heat, and a cover from the sun at noon, a preservation from stumbling, and an help from falling. [17] He raiseth up the soul, and lighteneth the eyes: he giveth health, life, and blessing.
[18] He that sacrificeth of a thing wrongfully gotten, his offering is ridiculous; and the gifts of unjust men are not accepted. [19] The most High is not pleased with the offerings of the wicked; neither is he pacified for sin by the multitude of sacrifices. [20] Whoso bringeth an offering of the goods of the poor doeth as one that killeth the son before his father’s eyes. [21] The bread of the needy is their life: he that defraudeth him thereof is a man of blood. [22] He that taketh away his neighbour’s living slayeth him; and he that defraudeth the labourer of his hire is a bloodshedder.
[23] When one buildeth, and another pulleth down, what profit have they then but labour? [24] When one prayeth, and another curseth, whose voice will the Lord hear? [25] He that washeth himself after the touching of a dead body, if he touch it again, what availeth his washing? [26] So is it with a man that fasteth for his sins, and goeth again, and doeth the same: who will hear his prayer? or what doth his humbling profit him?
Chapter 32
[1] He that keepeth the law bringeth offerings enough: he that taketh heed to the commandment offereth a peace offering. [2] He that requiteth a good turn offereth fine flour; and he that giveth alms sacrificeth praise. [3] To depart from wickedness is a thing pleasing to the Lord; and to forsake unrighteousness is a propitiation.
[4] Thou shalt not appear empty before the Lord. [5] For all these things are to be done because of the commandment. [6] The offering of the righteous maketh the altar fat, and the sweet savour thereof is before the most High. [7] The sacrifice of a just man is acceptable. and the memorial thereof shall never be forgotten.
[8] Give the Lord his honour with a good eye, and diminish not the firstfruits of thine hands. [9] In all thy gifts shew a cheerful countenance, and dedicate thy tithes with gladness. [10] Give unto the most High according as he hath enriched thee; and as thou hast gotten, give with a cheerful eye. [11] For the Lord recompenseth, and will give thee seven times as much. [12] Do not think to corrupt with gifts; for such he will not receive: and trust not to unrighteous sacrifices; for the Lord is judge, and with him is no respect of persons. [13] He will not accept any person against a poor man, but will hear the prayer of the oppressed. [14] He will not despise the supplication of the fatherless; nor the widow, when she poureth out her complaint. [15] Do not the tears run down the widow’s cheeks? and is not her cry against him that causeth them to fall?
[16] He that serveth the Lord shall be accepted with favour, and his prayer shall reach unto the clouds. [17] The prayer of the humble pierceth the clouds: and till it come nigh, he will not be comforted; and will not depart, till the most High shall behold to judge righteously, and execute judgment. [18] For the Lord will not be slack, neither will the Mighty be patient toward them, till he have smitten in sunder the loins of the unmerciful, and repayed vengeance to the heathen; t
ill he have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the sceptre of the unrighteous; [19] Till he have rendered to every man according to his deeds, and to the works of men according to their devices; till he have judged the cause of his people, and made them to rejoice in his mercy. [20] Mercy is seasonable in the time of affliction, as clouds of rain in the time of drought.
Chapter 33
[1] Have mercy upon us, O Lord God of all, and behold us: [2] And send thy fear upon all the nations that seek not after thee. [3] Lift up thy hand against the strange nations, and let them see thy power. [4] As thou wast sanctified in us before them: so be thou magnified among them before us. [5] And let them know thee, as we have known thee, that there is no God but only thou, O God.
[6] Shew new signs, and make other strange wonders: glorify thy hand and thy right arm, that they may set forth thy wondrous works. [7] Raise up indignation, and pour out wrath: take away the adversary, and destroy the enemy. [8] Sake the time short, remember the covenant, and let them declare thy wonderful works. [9] Let him that escapeth be consumed by the rage of the fire; and let them perish that oppress the people. [10] Smite in sunder the heads of the rulers of the heathen, that say, There is none other but we. [11] Gather all the tribes of Jacob together, and inherit thou them, as from the beginning. [12] A cheerful and good heart will have a care of his meat and diet.
Chapter 34
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