Delphi Septuagint

by Lancelot C L Brenton (ed)

  [17] εἰς πάντα καιρὸν φίλος ὑπαρχέτω σοι, ἀδελφοὶ δὲ ἐν ἀνάγκαις χρήσιμοι ἔστωσαν· τούτου γὰρ χάριν γεννῶνται.

  [17] Have thou a friend for every time, and let brethren be useful in distress; for on this account are they born.

  [18] ἀνὴρ ἄφρων ἐπικροτεῖ καὶ ἐπιχαίρει ἑαυτῷ, ὡς καὶ ὁ ἐγγυώμενος ἐγγύῃ τῶν ἑαυτοῦ φίλων.

  [18] A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself, as he also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.

  [19] φιλαμαρτήμων χαίρει μάχαις, [ὑψῶν δὲ θύραν αὐτοῦ ζητεῖ συντριβήν].

  [19] A lover of sin rejoices in strifes; [and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction].

  [20] ὁ δὲ σκληροκάρδιος οὐ συναντᾷ ἀγαθοῖς. ἀνὴρ εὐμετάβολος γλώσσῃ ἐμπεσεῖται εἰς κακά,

  [20] and the hard-hearted man comes not in for good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;

  [21] καρδία δὲ ἄφρονος ὀδύνη τῷ κεκτημένῳ αὐτήν. οὐκ εὐφραίνεται πατὴρ ἐπὶ υἱῷ ἀπαιδεύτῳ, υἱὸς δὲ φρόνιμος εὐφραίνει μητέρα αὐτοῦ.

  [21] and the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; but a wise son gladdens his mother.

  [22] καρδία εὐφραινομένη εὐεκτεῖν ποιεῖ, ἀνδρὸς δὲ λυπηροῦ ξηραίνεται τὰ ὀστᾶ.

  [22] A glad heart promotes health; but the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.

  [23] λαμβάνοντος δῶρα ἀδίκως ἐν κόλποις οὐ κατευοδοῦνται ὁδοί, ἀσεβὴς δὲ ἐκκλίνει ὁδοὺς δικαιοσύνης.

  [23] The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in his bosom do not prosper; and an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.

  [24] πρόσωπον συνετὸν ἀνδρὸς σοφοῦ, οἱ δὲ ὀφθαλμοὶ τοῦ ἄφρονος ἐπ᾿ ἄκρα γῆς.

  [24] The countenance of a wise man is sensible; but the eyes of a fool go to the ends of the earth.

  [25] ὀργὴ πατρὶ υἱὸς ἄφρων καὶ ὀδύνη τῇ τεκούσῃ αὐτόν.

  [25] A foolish son is a cause of anger to his father, and grief to her that bore him.

  [26] ζημιοῦν ἄνδρα δίκαιον οὐ καλόν, οὐδὲ ὅσιον ἐπιβουλεύειν δυνάσταις δικαίοις.

  [26] It is not right to punish a righteous man, nor is it holy to plot against righteous princes.

  [27] ὃς φείδεται ρῆμα προέσθαι σκληρόν, ἐπιγνώμων, μακρόθυμος δὲ ἀνὴρ φρόνιμος.

  [27] He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, and a patient man is wise.

  [28] ἀνοήτῳ ἐπερωτήσαντι σοφίαν σοφία λογισθήσεται, ἐνεὸν δέ τις ἑαυτὸν ποιήσας δόξει φρόνιμος εἶναι.

  [28] Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom: and he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.

  Chapter 18

  Προφάσεις ζητεῖ ἀνὴρ βουλόμενος χωρίζεσθαι ἀπὸ φίλων, ἐν παντὶ δὲ καιρῷ ἐπονείδιστος ἔσται.

  A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.

  [2] οὐ χρείαν ἔχει σοφίας ἐνδεὴς φρενῶν, μᾶλλον γὰρ ἄγεται ἀφροσύνῃ.

  [2] A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.

  [3] ὅταν ἔλθῃ ἀσεβὴς εἰς βάθος κακῶν, καταφρονεῖ, επέρχεται δὲ αὐτῷ ἀτιμία καὶ ὄνειδος.

  [3] When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises them; but dishonour and reproach come upon him.

  [4] ὕδωρ βαθὺ λόγος ἐν καρδίᾳ ἀνδρός, ποταμὸς δὲ ἀναπηδύει καὶ πηγὴ ζωῆς.

  [4] A word in the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and fountain of life spring forth.

  [5] θαυμάσαι πρόσωπον ἀσεβοῦς οὐ καλόν, οὐδὲ ὅσιον ἐκκλίνειν τὸ δίκαιον ἐν κρίσει.

  [5] It is not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor is it holy to pervert justice in judgment.

  [6] χείλη ἄφρονος ἄγουσιν αὐτὸν εἰς κακά, τὸ δὲ στόμα αὐτοῦ τὸ θρασὺ θάνατον ἐπικαλεῖται.

  [6] The lips of a fool bring him into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.

  [7] στόμα ἄφρονος συντριβὴ αὐτῷ, τὰ δὲ χείλη αὐτοῦ παγὶς τῇ ψυχῇ αὐτοῦ.

  [7] A fool’s mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

  [8] ὀκνηροὺς καταβάλλει φόβος, ψυχαὶ δὲ ἀνδρογύνων πεινάσουσιν.

  [8] Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.

  [9] ὁ μὴ ἰώμενος ἑαυτὸν ἐν τοῖς ἔργοις αὑτοῦ ἀδελφός ἐστι τοῦ λυμαινομένου ἑαυτόν.

  [9] A man who helps not himself by his labour is brother of him that ruins himself.

  [10] ἐκ μεγαλωσύνης ἰσχύος ὄνομα Κυρίου, αὐτῷ δὲ προσδραμόντες δίκαιοι ὑψοῦνται.

  [10] The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.

  [11] ὕπαρξις πλουσίου ἀνδρὸς πόλις ὀχυρά, ἡ δὲ δόξα αὐτῆς μέγα ἐπισκιάζει.

  [11] The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.

  [12] πρὸ συντριβῆς ὑψοῦται καρδία ἀνδρός, καὶ πρὸ δόξης ταπεινοῦται.

  [12] Before ruin a man’s heart is exalted, and before honour it is humble.

  [13] ὃς ἀποκρίνεται λόγον πρὶν ἀκοῦσαι, ἀφροσύνη αὐτῷ ἐστι καὶ ὄνειδος.

  [13] Whoso answers a word before he hears a cause, it is folly and reproach to him.

  [14] θυμὸν ἀνδρὸς πραΰνει θεράπων φρόνιμος, ὀλιγόψυχον δὲ ἄνδρα τίς ὑποίσει;

  [14] A wise servant calms a man’s anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?

  [15] καρδία φρονίμου κτᾶται αἴσθησιν, ὦτα δὲ σοφῶν ζητεῖ ἔννοιαν.

  [15] The heart of the sensible man purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.

  [16] δόμα ἀνθρώπου ἐμπλατύνει αὐτὸν καὶ παρὰ δυνάσταις καθιζάνει αὐτόν.

  [16] A man’s gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.

  [17] δίκαιος ἑαυτοῦ κατήγορος ἐν πρωτολογίᾳ, ὡς δ’ ἂν ἐπιβάλῃ ὁ ἀντίδικος ἐλέγχεται.

  [17] A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.

  [18] ἀντιλογίας παύει σιγηρός, ἐν δὲ δυναστείαις ὁρίζει.

  [18] A silent man quells strifes, and determines between great powers.

  [19] ἀδελφὸς ὑπὸ ἀδελφοῦ βοηθούμενος ὡς πόλις ὀχυρὰ καὶ ὑψηλή,
ἰσχύει δὲ ὥσπερ τεθεμελιωμένον βασίλειον.

  [19] A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city; and is as strong as a well-founded palace.

  [20] ἀπὸ καρπῶν στόματος ἀνὴρ πίμπλησι κοιλίαν αὐτοῦ, ἀπὸ δὲ καρπῶν χειλέων αὐτοῦ ἐμπλησθήσεται.

  [20] A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth; and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.

  [21] θάνατος καὶ ζωὴ ἐν χειρὶ γλώσσης, οἱ δὲ κρατοῦντες αὐτῆς ἔδονται τοὺς καρποὺς αὐτῆς.

  [21] Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.

  [22] ὃς εὗρε γυναῖκα ἀγαθήν, εὗρε χάριτας, ἔλαβε δὲ παρὰ Θεοῦ ἱλαρότητα.

  [22] He that has found a good wife has found favours, and has received gladness from God.

  [22]α ὃς ἐκβάλλει γυναῖκα ἀγαθήν, ἐκβάλλει τὰ ἀγαθά, ὁ δὲ κατέχων μοιχαλίδα ἄφρων καὶ ἀσεβής.

  [22a] He that puts away a good wife, puts away a good thing, and he that keeps an adulteress is foolish and ungodly.

  Chapter 19

  ΑΦΡΟΣΥΝΗ ἀνδρὸς λυμαίνεται τὰς ὁδοὺς αὐτοῦ, τὸν δὲ Θεὸν αἰτιᾶται τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ.

  The folly of a man spoils his ways: and he blames God in his heart.

  [4] πλοῦτος προστίθησι φίλους πολλούς, ὁ δὲ πτωχὸς καὶ ἀπὸ τοῦ ὑπάρχοντος φίλου λείπεται.

  [4] Wealth acquires many friends; but the poor is deserted even of the friend he has.

  [5] μάρτυς ψευδὴς οὐκ ἀτιμώρητος ἔσται, ὁ δὲ ἐγκαλῶν ἀδίκως οὐ διαφεύξεται.

  [5] A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that accuses unjustly shall not escape.

  [6] πολλοὶ θεραπεύουσι πρόσωπα βασιλέων, πᾶς δὲ ὁ κακὸς γίνεται ὄνειδος ἀνδρί.

  [6] Many court the favour of kings; but every bad man becomes a reproach to another man.

  [7] πᾶς, ὃς ἀδελφὸν πτωχὸν μισεῖ, καὶ φιλίας μακρὰν ἔσται. ἔννοια ἀγαθὴ τοῖς εἰδόσιν αὐτὴν ἐγγιεῖ, ἀνὴρ δὲ φρόνιμος εὑρήσει αὐτήν. ὁ πολλὰ κακοποιῶν τελεσιουργεῖ κακίαν, ὃς δὲ ἐρεθίζει λόγους οὐ σωθήσεται.

  [7] Every one who hates his poor brother shall also be far from friendship. Good understanding will draw near to them that know it, and a sensible man will find it. He that does much harm perfects mischief; and he that used provoking words shall not escape.

  [8] ὁ κτώμενος φρόνησιν ἀγαπᾷ ἑαυτόν, ὃς δὲ φυλάσσει φρόνησιν, εὑρήσει ἀγαθά.

  [8] He that procures wisdom loves himself; and he that keeps wisdom shall find good.

  [9] μάρτυς ψευδὴς οὐκ ἀτιμώρητος ἔσται, ὃς δ᾿ ἂν ἐκκαύσῃ κακίαν, ἀπολεῖται ὑπ᾿ αὐτῆς.

  [9] A false witness shall not be unpunished; and whosoever shall kindle mischief shall perish by it.

  [10] οὐ συμφέρει ἄφρονι τρυφή, καὶ ἐὰν οἰκέτης ἄρξηται μεθ᾿ ὕβρεως δυναστεύειν.

  [10] Delight does not suit a fool, nor is it seemly if a servant should begin to rule with haughtiness.

  [11] ἐλεήμων ἀνὴρ μακροθυμεῖ, τὸ δὲ καύχημα αὐτοῦ ἐπέρχεται παρανόμοις.

  [11] A merciful man is long-suffering; and his triumph overtakes transgressors.

  [12] βασιλέως ἀπειλὴ ὁμοία βρυγμῷ λέοντος, ὥσπερ δὲ δρόσος ἐπὶ χόρτῳ, οὕτως τὸ ἱλαρὸν αὐτοῦ.

  [12] The threatening of a king is like the roaring of a lion; but as dew on the grass, so is his favour.

  [13] αἰσχύνη πατρὶ υἱὸς ἄφρων· οὐχ ἁγναὶ εὐχαὶ ἀπὸ μισθώματος ἑταίρας.

  [13] A foolish son is a disgrace to his father: vows paid out of the hire of a harlot are not pure.

  [14] οἶκον καὶ ὕπαρξιν μερίζουσι πατέρες παισί, παρὰ δὲ Κυρίου ἁρμόζεται γυνὴ ἀνδρί.

  [14] Fathers divide house and substance to their children: but a wife is suited to a man by the Lord.

  [15] δειλία κατέχει ἀνδρόγυνον, ψυχὴ δὲ ἀεργοῦ πεινάσει.

  [15] Cowardice possesses the effeminate man; and the soul of the sluggard shall hunger.

  [16] ὃς φυλάσσει ἐντολήν, τηρεῖ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ψυχήν, ὁ δὲ καταφρονῶν τῶν ἑαυτοῦ ὁδῶν ἀπολεῖται.

  [16] He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul; but he that despises his ways shall perish.

  [17] δανείζει Θεῷ ὁ ἐλεῶν πτωχόν, κατὰ δὲ τὸ δόμα αὐτοῦ ἀνταποδώσει αὐτῷ.

  [17] He that has pity on the poor lends to the Lord; and he will recompense to him according to his gift.

  [18] παίδευε υἱόν σου, οὕτως γὰρ ἔσται εὔελπις, εἰς δὲ ὕβριν μὴ ἐπαίρου τῇ ψυχῇ σου.

  [18] Chasten thy son, for so he shall be hopeful; and be not exalted in thy soul to haughtiness.

  [19] κακόφρων ἀνὴρ πολλὰ ζημιωθήσεται· ἐὰν δὲ λοιμεύηται, καὶ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ προσθήσει.

  [19] A malicious man shall be severely punished, and if he commit injury, he shall also lose his life.

  [20] ἄκουε, υἱέ, παιδείαν πατρός σου, ἵνα σοφὸς γένῃ ἐπ᾿ ἐσχάτων σου.

  [20] Hear, son, the instruction of thy father, that thou mayest be wise at thy latter end.

  [21] πολλοὶ λογισμοὶ ἐν καρδίᾳ ἀνδρός, ἡ δὲ βουλὴ τοῦ Κυρίου εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα μένει.

  [21] There are many thoughts in a man’s heart; but the counsel of the Lord abides for ever.

  [22] καρπὸς ἀνδρὶ ἐλεημοσύνη, κρείσσων δὲ πτωχὸς δίκαιος ἢ πλούσιος ψεύστης.

  [22] Mercy is a fruit to a man: and a poor man is better than a rich liar.

  [23] φόβος Κυρίου εἰς ζωὴν ἀνδρί, ὁ δὲ ἄφοβος αὐλισθήσεται ἐν τόποις, οὗ οὐκ ἐπισκοπεῖται γνῶσις.

  [23] The fear of the Lord is life to a man: and he shall lodge without fear in places where knowledge is not seen.

  [24] ὁ ἐγκρύπτων εἰς τὸν κόλπον αὐτοῦ χεῖρας ἀδίκως, οὐδὲ τῷ στόματι οὐ μὴ προσαγάγῃ αὐτάς.

  [24] He that unjustly hides his hands in his bosom, will not even bring them up to his mouth.

  [25] λοιμοῦ μαστιγουμένου, ἄφρων πανουργότερος γίνεται· ἐὰν δὲ ἐλέγχῃς ἄνδρα φρόνιμον, νοήσει αἴσθησιν.

  [25] When a pestilent character is scourged, a simple man is made wiser: and if thou reprove a wise man, he will understand discretion.

  [26] ὁ ἀτιμάζων πατέρα καὶ ἀπωθούμενος μητέρα αὐτοῦ καταισχυνθήσεται καὶ ἐπονείδιστος ἔσται.

  [26] He that dishonours his father, and drives away his mother, shal
l be disgraced and shall be exposed to reproach.

  [27] υἱὸς ἀπολειπόμενος φυλάξαι παιδείαν πατρὸς μελετήσει ρήσεις κακάς.

  [27] A son who ceases to attend to the instruction of a father will cherish evil designs.

  [28] ὁ ἐγγυώμενος παῖδα ἄφρονα καθυβρίσει δικαίωμα, στόμα δὲ ἀσεβῶν καταπίεται κρίσεις.

  [28] He that becomes surety for a foolish child will despise the ordinance: and the mouth of ungodly men shall drink down judgment.

  [29] ἑτοιμάζονται ἀκολάστοις μάστιγες, καὶ τιμωρίαι ὁμοίως ἄφροσιν.

  [29] Scourges are preparing for the intemperate, and punishments likewise for fools.

  Chapter 20

  ΑΚΟΛΑΣΤΟΝ οἶνος καὶ ὑβριστικὸν μέθη, πᾶς δὲ ἄφρων τοιούτοις συμπλέκεται.

  Wine is an intemperate thing, and strong drink full of violence: but every fool is entangled with them.

  [2] οὐ διαφέρει ἀπειλὴ βασιλέως θυμοῦ λέοντος, ὁ δὲ παροξύνων αὐτὸν ἁμαρτάνει εἰς τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ψυχήν.

  [2] The threat of a king differs not from the rage of a lion; and he that provokes him sins against his own soul.

  [3] δόξα ἀνδρὶ ἀποστρέφεσθαι λοιδορίας, πᾶς δὲ ἄφρων τοιούτοις συμπλέκεται.

  [3] It is a glory to a man to turn aside from railing; but every fool is entangled with such matters.

  [4] ὀνειδιζόμενος ὀκνηρὸς οὐκ αἰσχύνεται, ὡσαύτως καὶ ὁ δανειζόμενος σῖτον ἐν ἀμήτῳ.

  [4] A sluggard when reproached is not ashamed: so also he who borrows corn in harvest.

  [5] ὕδωρ βαθὺ βουλὴ ἐν καρδίᾳ ἀνδρός, ἀνὴρ δὲ φρόνιμος ἐξαντλήσει αὐτήν.

  [5] Counsel in a man’s heart is deep water; but a prudent man will draw it out.