by Septuagint
[15] A bad man does harm wherever he meets a just man: and he hates the sound of safety. [16] A gracious wife brings glory to her husband: but a woman hating righteousness is a theme of dishonour. The slothful come to want: but the diligent support themselves with wealth. [17] A merciful man does good to his own soul: but the merciless destroys his own body.
[18] An ungodly man performs unrighteous works: but the seed of the righteous is a reward of truth. [19] A righteous son is born for life: but the persecution of the ungodly ends in death. [20] Perverse ways are an abomination to the Lord: but all they that are blameless in their ways are acceptable to him. [21] He that unjustly strikes hands shall not be unpunished: but he that sows righteousness he shall receive a faithful reward. [22] As an ornament in a swine’s snout, so is beauty to an ill-minded women. [23] All the desire of the righteous is good: but the hope of the ungodly shall perish.
[24] There are some who scatter their own, and make it more: and there are some also who gather, yet have less. [25] Every sincere soul is blessed: but a passionate man is not graceful. [26] May he that hoards corn leave it to the nation: but blessing be on the head of him that gives it. [27] He that devises good counsels seeks good favour: but as for him that seeks after evil, evil shall overtake him. [28] He that trusts in wealth shall fall; but he that helps righteous men shall rise. [29] He that deals not graciously with his own house shall inherit the wind; and the fool shall be servant to the wise man. [30] Out of the fruit of righteousness grows a tree of life; but the souls of transgressors are cut off before their time. [31] If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
Chapter 12
[1] He that loves instruction loves sense, but he that hates reproofs is a fool. [2] He that has found favour with the Lord is made better; but a transgressor shall be passed over in silence. [3] A man shall not prosper by wickedness; but the roots of the righteous shall not be taken up. [4] A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but as a worm in wood, so a bad woman destroys her husband.
[5] The thoughts of the righteous are true judgments; but ungodly men devise deceits.
[6] The words of ungodly men are crafty; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. [7] When the ungodly is overthrown, he vanishes away; but the houses of the just remain. [8] The mouth of an understanding man is praised by a man; but he that is dull of heart is had in derision. [9] Better is a man in dishonour serving himself, than one honouring himself and wanting bread.
[10] A righteous man has pity for the lives of his cattle; but the bowels of the ungodly are unmerciful. [11] He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread; but they that pursue vanities are void of understanding. He that enjoys himself in banquets of wine, shall leave dishonour in his own strong holds.
[12] The desires of the ungodly are evil; but the roots of the godly are firmly set. [13] For the sin of his lips a sinner falls into snare; but a righteous man escapes from them. He whose looks are gentle shall be pitied, but he that contends in the gates will afflict souls. [14] The soul of a man shall be filled with good from the fruits of his mouth; and the recompence of his lips shall be given to him. [15] The ways of fools are right in their own eyes; but a wise man hearkens to counsels. [16] A fool declares his wrath the same day; but a prudent man hides his own disgrace. [17] A righteous man declares the open truth; but an unjust witness is deceitful.
[18] Some wound as they speak, like swords; but the tongues of the wise heal. [19] True lips establish testimony; but a hasty witness has an unjust tongue. [20] There is deceit in the heart of him that imagines evil; but they that love peace shall rejoice. [21] No injustice will please a just man; but the ungodly will be filled with mischief. [22] Lying lips are a abomination to the Lord; but he that deals faithfully is accepted with him. [23] An understanding man is a throne of wisdom; but the heart of fools shall meet with curses.
[24] The hand of chosen men shall easily obtain rule; but the deceitful shall be for a prey. [25] A terrible word troubles the heart of a righteous man; but a good message rejoices him. [26] A just arbitrator shall be his own friend; but mischief shall pursue sinners; and the way of ungodly men shall lead them astray. [27] A deceitful man shall catch no game; but a blameless man is a precious possession. [28] In the ways of righteousness is life; but the ways of those that remember injuries lead to death.
Chapter 13
[1] A wise son is obedient to his father: but a disobedient son will be destroyed. [2] A good man shall eat of the fruits of righteousness: but the lives of transgressors shall perish before their time. [3] He that keeps his own mouth keeps his own life: but he that is hasty with his lips shall bring terror upon himself. [4] Every slothful man desires, but the hands of the active are diligent. [5] A righteous man hates an unjust word: but an ungodly man is ashamed, and will have no confidence. 6 [7] There are some who, having nothing, enrich themselves: and there are some who bring themselves down in the midst of much wealth.
[8] A man’s own wealth is the ransom of his life: but the poor endures not threatening. [9] The righteous always have light: but the light of the ungodly is quenched. Crafty souls go astray in sins: but just men pity, and are merciful. [10] A bad man does evil with insolence: but they that are judges of themselves are wise. [11] Wealth gotten hastily with iniquity is diminished: but he that gathers for himself with godliness shall be increased. The righteous is merciful, and lends. [12] Better is he that begins to help heartily, than he that promises and leads another to hope: for a good desire is a tree of life. [13] He that slights a matter shall be slighted of it: but he that fears the commandment has health of soul. To a crafty son there shall be nothing good: but a wise servant shall have prosperous doings, and his way shall be directed aright.
[14] The law of the wise is fountain of life: but the man void of understanding shall die by a snare. [15] Sound discretion gives favour, and to know the law is the part of a sound understanding: but the ways of scorners tend to destruction.
[16] Every prudent man acts with knowledge: but the fool displays his own mischief. [17] A rash king shall fall into mischief: but a wise messenger shall deliver him. [18] Instruction removes poverty and disgrace: but he that attends to reproofs shall be honoured. [19] The desires of the godly gladden the soul, but the works of the ungodly are far from knowledge. [20] If thou walkest with wise men thou shalt be wise: but he that walks with fools shall be known. [21] Evil shall pursue sinners; but good shall overtake the righteous. [22] A good man shall inherit children’s children; and the wealth of ungodly men is laid up for the just. [23] The righteous shall spend many years in wealth: but the unrighteous shall perish suddenly.
[24] He that spares the rod hates his son: but he that loves, carefully chastens him. [25] A just man eats and satisfies his soul: but the souls of the ungodly are in want.
Chapter 14
[1] Wise women build houses: but a foolish one digs hers down with her hands. [2] He that walks uprightly fears the Lord; but he that is perverse in his ways shall be dishonoured. [3] Out of the mouth of fools comes a rod of pride; but the lips of the wise preserve them. [4] Where no oxen are, the cribs are clean; but where there is abundant produce, the strength of the ox is apparent. [5] A faithful witness does not lie; but an unjust witness kindles falsehoods. [6] Thou shalt seek wisdom with bad men, and shalt not find it; but discretion is easily available with the prudent.
[7] All things are adverse to a foolish man; but wise lips are the weapons of discretion. [8] The wisdom of the prudent will understand their ways; but the folly of fools leads astray. [9] The houses of transgressors will need purification; but the houses of the just are acceptable.
[10] If a man’s mind is intelligent, his soul is sorrowful; and when he rejoices, he has no fellowship with pride. [11] The houses of ungodly men shall be utterly destroyed; but the tabernacles of them that walk uprightly shall stand. [12] There is a way which seems to be right with men, but the ends of it reach to the depths of hell. [13] Grief mi
ngles not with mirth; and joy in the end comes to grief. [14] A stout-hearted man shall be filled with his own ways; and a good man with his own thoughts. [15] The simple believes every word: but the prudent man betakes himself to after-thought. [16] A wise man fears, and departs from evil; but the fool trusts in himself, and joins himself with the transgressor. [17] A passionate man acts inconsiderately; but a sensible man bears up under many things.
[18] Fools shall have mischief for their portion; but the prudent shall take fast hold of understanding. [19] Evil men shall fall before the good; and the ungodly shall attend at the gates of the righteous. [20] Friends will hate poor friends; but the friends of the rich are many. [21] He that dishonours the needy sins: but he that has pity on the poor is most blessed. [22] They that go astray devise evils: but the good devise mercy and truth. The framers of evil do not understand mercy and truth: but compassion and faithfulness are with the framers of good. [23] With every one who is careful there is abundance: but the pleasure-taking and indolent shall be in want. [24] A prudent man is the crown of the wise: but the occupation of fools is evil.
[25] A faithful witness shall deliver a soul from evil: but a deceitful man kindles falsehoods. [26] In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and he leaves his children a support. [27] The commandment of the Lord is a fountain of life; and it causes men to turn aside from the snare of death. [28] In a populous nation is the glory of a king: but in the failure of people is the ruin of a prince. [29] A man slow to wrath abounds in wisdom: but a man of impatient spirit is very foolish. [30] A meek-spirited man is a healer of the heart: but a sensitive heart is a corruption of the bones. [31] He that oppresses the needy provokes his Maker: but he that honours him has pity upon the poor. [32] The ungodly shall be driven away in his wickedness: but he who is secure in his own holiness is just.
[33] There is wisdom in the good heart of a man: but in the heart of fools it is not discerned. [34] Righteousness exalts a nation: but sins diminish tribes. [35] An understanding servant is acceptable to a king; and by his good behaviour he removes disgrace.
Chapter 15
[1] Anger slays even wise men; yet a submissive answer turns away wrath: but a grievous word stirs up anger. [2] The tongue of the wise knows what is good: but the mouth of the foolish tells out evil things.
[3] The eyes of the Lord behold both the evil and the good in every place. [4] The wholesome tongue is a tree of life, and he that keeps it shall be filled with understanding. [5] A fool scorns his father’s instruction; but he that keeps his commandments is more prudent. In abounding righteousness is great strength: but the ungodly shall utterly perish from the earth.
[6] In the houses of the righteous is much strength: but the fruits of the ungodly shall perish. [7] The lips of the wise are bound by discretion: but the hearts of the foolish are not safe. [8] The sacrifices of the ungodly are an abomination to the Lord; but the prayers of them that walk honestly are acceptable with him. [9] The ways of an ungodly man are an abomination to the Lord; but he loves those that follow after righteousness. [10] The instruction of the simple is known by them that pass by; but they that hate reproofs die disgracefully.
[11] Hell and destruction are manifest to the Lord; how shall not also be the hearts of men? [12] An uninstructed person will not love those that reprove him; neither will he associate with the wise. [13] When the heart rejoices the countenance is cheerful; but when it is in sorrow, the countenance is sad. [14] An upright heart seeks discretion; but the mouth of the uninstructed will experience evils.
[15] The eyes of the wicked are always looking for evil things; but the good are always quiet. [16] Better is a small portion with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures without the fear of the Lord. [17] Better is an entertainment of herbs with friendliness and kindness, than a feast of calves, with enmity. [18] A passionate man stirs up strife; but he that is slow to anger appeases even a rising one. A man slow to anger will extinguish quarrels; but an ungodly man rather stirs them up. [19] The ways of sluggards are strewn with thorns; but those of the diligent are made smooth. [20] A wise son gladdens his father; but a foolish son sneers at his mother. [21] The ways of a foolish man are void of sense; but a wise man proceeds on his way aright. [22] They that honour not councils put off deliberation; but counsel abides in the hearts of counsellors.
[23] A bad man will by no means attend to counsel; neither will he say anything seasonable, or good for the common weal.
[24] The thoughts of the wise are ways of life, that he may turn aside and escape from hell. [25] The Lord pulls down the houses of scorners; but he establishes the border of the widow. [26] An unrighteous thought is abomination to the Lord; but the sayings of the pure are held in honour. [27] A receiver of bribes destroys himself; but he that hates the receiving of bribes is safe. [By alms and by faithful dealings sins are purged away;] but by the fear of the Lord every one departs from evil.
[28] The hearts of the righteous meditate faithfulness; but the mouth of the ungodly answers evil things. The ways of righteous men are acceptable with the Lord; and through them even enemies become friends. [29] God is far from the ungodly; but he hearkens to the prayers of the righteous. Better are small receipts with righteousness, than abundant fruits with unrighteousness.
Chapter 16
[1] Let the heart of a man think justly, that his steps may be rightly ordered of God. The eye that sees rightly rejoices the heart; and a good report fattens the bones. 31 [32] He that rejects instruction hates himself; but he that mind reproofs loves his soul. [33] The fear of the Lord is instruction and wisdom; and the highest honour will correspond therewith. All the works of the humble man are manifest with God; but the ungodly shall perish in an evil day. [5] Every one that is proud in heart is unclean before God, and he that unjustly strikes hands with hand shall not be held guiltless. The beginning of a good way is to do justly; and it is more acceptable with God than to offer sacrifices. He that seeks the Lord shall find knowledge with righteousness: and they that rightly seek him shall find peace. All of the works of the Lord are done with righteousness; and the ungodly man is kept for the evil day.
[10] There is an oracle upon the lips of a king; and his mouth shall not err in judgement. [11] The poise of the balance is righteousness with the Lord; and his works are righteous measures. [12] An evil-doer is an abomination to a king; for the throne of rule is established by righteousness. [13] Righteous lips are acceptable to a king; and he loves right words. [14] The anger of a king is a messenger of death; but a wise man will pacify him. [15] The son of a king is in the light of life; and they that are in favour with him are as a cloud of latter rain. [16] The brood of wisdom is more to be chosen than gold, and the brood of prudence more to be chosen than silver. [17] The paths of life turn aside from evil; and the ways of righteousness are length of life. He that receives instruction shall be in prosperity; and he that regards reproofs shall be made wise. He that keeps his ways, preserves his own soul; and he that loves his life will spare his mouth.
[18] Pride goes before destruction, and folly before a fall. [19] Better is a meek-spirited man with lowliness, than one who divides spoils with the proud. [20] He who is skillful in business finds good: but he that trusts in God is most blessed. [21] Men call the wise and understanding evil: but they that are pleasing in speech shall hear more. [22] Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessors; but the instruction of fools is evil.
[23] The heart of the wise will discern the things which proceed from his own mouth; and on his lips he will wear knowledge. [24] Good words are honeycombs, and the sweetness thereof is a healing of the soul. [25] There are ways that seem to be right to a man, but the end of them looks to the depth of hell. [26] A man who labours, labours for himself, and drives from him his own ruin. [27] But the perverse bears destruction upon his own mouth: a foolish man digs up evil for himself, and treasures fire on his own lips. [28] A perverse man spreads mischief, and will kindle a torch of deceit with mischiefs; and he separates fr
iends. [29] A transgressor tries to ensnare friends, and leads them in ways that are not good.
[30] And the man that fixes his eyes devises perverse things, and marks out with his lips all evil: he is a furnace of wickedness. [31] Old age is a crown of honour, but it is found in the ways of righteousness. [32] A man slow to anger is better than a strong man; and he that governs his temper better than he that takes a city. [33] All evils come upon the ungodly into their bosoms; but all righteous things come of the Lord.
Chapter 17
[1] Better is a morsel with pleasure in peace, than a house full of many good things and unjust sacrifices, with strife. [2] A wise servant shall have rule over foolish masters, and shall divide portions among brethren. [3] As silver and gold are tried in a furnace, so are choice hearts with the Lord. [4] A bad man hearkens to the tongue of transgressors: but a righteous man attends not to false lips. [5] He that laughs at the poor provokes him that made him; and he that rejoices at the destruction of another shall not be held guiltless: but he that has compassion shall find mercy.
[6] Children’s children are the crown of old men; and their fathers are the glory of children. The faithful has the whole world full of wealth; but the faithless not even a farthing. [7] Faithful lips will not suit a fool; nor lying lips a just man. [8] Instruction is to them that use it a gracious reward; and whithersoever it may turn, it shall prosper. [9] He that conceals injuries seeks love; but he that hates to hide them separates friends and kindred. [10] A threat breaks down the heart of a wise man; but a fool, though scourged, understands not. [11] Every bad man stirs up strifes: but the Lord will send out against him an unmerciful messenger.