The Standard Works
The Old Testament


THE PROVERBS


Chapters
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

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 1

Verses
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, 32, 33

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge—If sinners entice thee, consent thou not—Those who hearken to wisdom shall dwell safely.

 1 THE aproverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
 2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
 3 To receive the ainstruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
 4 To give subtilty to the asimple , to the young man knowledge and discretion.
 5 A wise man will hear, and will increase alearning ; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
 6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their adark sayings.
 7 ¶ The afear of the LORD is the beginning of bknowledge : but fools despise cwisdom and dinstruction .
 8 My son, hear the ainstruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy bmother :
 9 For they shall be an aornament of bgrace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
 10 ¶ My son, if sinners aentice thee, bconsent thou not.
 11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us alurk privily for the innocent without cause:
 12 Let us aswallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the bpit :
 13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
 14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
 15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; arefrain thy foot from their path:
 16 For their feet run to aevil , and make haste to shed blood.
 17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
 18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.
 19 So are the ways of every one that is agreedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
 20 ¶ Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:
 21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,
 22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their ascorning , and fools bhate cknowledge ?
 23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will apour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
 24 ¶ Because I have called, and ye arefused ; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
 25 But ye have set at anought all my bcounsel , and would none of my reproof:
 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
 27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
 28 Then shall they acall upon me, but I will not banswer ; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
 29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not achoose the fear of the LORD:
 30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my areproof .
 31 Therefore shall they eat of the afruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
 32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
 33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 2

Verses
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22

The Lord giveth wisdom, knowledge, and understanding—Walk in the way of good men.

 1 MY son, if thou wilt receive my words, and ahide my commandments with thee;
 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine aheart to understanding;
 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
 5 Then shalt thou understand the afear of the LORD, and find the bknowledge of God.
 6 For the LORD giveth awisdom : out of his mouth cometh knowledge and bunderstanding .
 7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a abuckler to them that bwalk uprightly.
 8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
 9 Then shalt thou aunderstand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
 10 ¶ When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
 11 aDiscretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
 12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;
 13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to awalk in the ways of darkness;
 14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the afrowardness of the wicked;
 15 Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:
 16 To deliver thee from the astrange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;
 17 Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.
 18 For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.
 19 None that go unto her areturn again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.
 20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.
 21 For the aupright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
 22 But the wicked shall be acut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 3

Verses
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, 32, 33, 34, 35

Write mercy and truth upon the tablet of thy heart—Trust in the Lord—Honor him with thy substance—Whom the Lord loveth he correcteth—Happy is the man that findeth wisdom.

 1 MY son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
 2 For length of days, and along life, and bpeace , shall they add to thee.
 3 Let not mercy and atruth forsake thee: bbind them about thy neck; write them upon the ctable of thine dheart :
 4 So shalt thou find afavour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
 5 ¶ aTrust in the LORD with all thine bheart ; and lean not unto thine cown dunderstanding .
 6 In all thy ways aacknowledge him, and he shall bdirect thy cpaths .
 7 ¶ Be not awise in thine own eyes: bfear the LORD, and depart from evil.
 8 It shall be ahealth to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
 9 aHonour the LORD with thy bsubstance , and with the cfirstfruits of all thine increase:
 10 So shall thy barns be filled with aplenty , and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
 11 ¶ My son, despise not the achastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
 12 For whom the LORD loveth he acorrecteth ; even as a bfather the son in whom he delighteth.
 13 ¶ aHappy is the man that findeth bwisdom , and the man that getteth cunderstanding .
 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
 16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand ariches and honour.
 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
 18 She is a tree of alife to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
 19 The LORD by wisdom hath afounded the earth; by bunderstanding hath he established the heavens.
 20 By his knowledge the depths are abroken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
 21 ¶ My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
 22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and agrace to thy neck.
 23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
 24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
 25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
 26 For the LORD shall be thy aconfidence , and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
 27 ¶ aWithhold not bgood from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
 28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
 29 aDevise not evil against thy bneighbour , seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
 30 ¶ aStrive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
 31 ¶ Envy thou not the aoppressor , and choose none of his ways.
 32 For the afroward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
 33 ¶ The acurse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.
 34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth agrace unto the blowly .
 35 The awise shall inherit glory: but bshame shall be the promotion of fools.

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 4

Verses
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

Keep the Lord’s commandments and live—With all thy getting get understanding—Go not in the way of evil men.

 1 HEAR, ye children, the ainstruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
 2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
 3 For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
 4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
 5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
 6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
 7 aWisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get bunderstanding .
 8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
 9 She shall give to thine head an aornament of grace: a crown of bglory shall she deliver to thee.
 10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the ayears of thy life shall be many.
 11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have aled thee in right paths.
 12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be astraitened ; and when thou brunnest , thou shalt not stumble.
 13 Take fast ahold of binstruction ; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
 14 ¶ Enter not into the apath of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
 15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
 16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
 18 But the apath of the bjust is as the shining clight , that dshineth more and more unto the perfect day.
 19 The way of the wicked is as adarkness : they know not at what they stumble.
 20 ¶ My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
 21 Let them not depart from thine aeyes ; bkeep them in the midst of thine heart.
 22 For they are alife unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
 23 ¶ Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
 24 Put away from thee a afroward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
 25 Let thine aeyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
 26 aPonder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
 27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 5

Verses
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23

Those who embrace immoral women go down to hell—Rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

 1 MY son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:
 2 That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.
 3 ¶ For the alips of a bstrange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:
 4 But her aend is bbitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.
 5 Her feet go down to adeath ; her steps take hold on bhell .
 6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.
 7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.
 8 aRemove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:
 9 Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:
 10 Lest strangers be filled with thy awealth ; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;
 11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
 12 And say, How have I hated ainstruction , and my heart despised reproof;
 13 And have not aobeyed the voice of my bteachers , nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
 14 I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.
 15 ¶ Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.
 16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.
 17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.
 18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the awife of thy youth.
 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 alove .
 20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?
 21 For the aways of man are before the beyes of the LORD, and he cpondereth all his goings.
 22 ¶ His own ainiquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the bcords of his sins.
 23 He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 6

Verses
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, 32, 33, 34, 35

Six things which the Lord hates are named—Those who commit adultery destroy their own souls.

 1 MY son, if thou abe surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,
 2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
 3 Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, ahumble thyself, and make sure thy friend.
 4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.
 5 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
 6 ¶ Go to the aant , thou bsluggard ; consider her ways, and be wise:
 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
 8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
 9 How long wilt thou asleep , O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
 11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
 12 ¶ A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a afroward mouth.
 13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
 14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
 15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without aremedy .
 16 ¶ These six things doth the LORD ahate : yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
 17 A aproud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
 18 An aheart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
 19 A afalse witness that speaketh blies , and he that soweth cdiscord among brethren.
 20 ¶ My son, keep thy afather ’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
 21 aBind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
 22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
 23 For the commandment is a alamp ; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
 24 To keep thee from the aevil bwoman , from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
 25 aLust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
 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.
 27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
 28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
 29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
 30 Men do not despise a thief, if he asteal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
 31 But if he be found, he shall arestore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
 32 But whoso committeth aadultery with a woman lacketh bunderstanding : he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
 33 A wound and adishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
 34 For ajealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
 35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 7

Verses
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

A whorish woman leads a man as an ox to the slaughter—The house of an adulterous woman is the way to hell.

 1 MY son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.
 2 Keep my acommandments , and live; and my law as the bapple of thine eye.
 3 aBind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine bheart .
 4 Say unto awisdom , Thou art my sister; and call bunderstanding thy kinswoman:
 5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which aflattereth with her words.
 6 ¶ For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,
 7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,
 8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,
 9 In the atwilight , in the evening, in the black and bdark night:
 10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an aharlot , and subtil of heart.
 11 (She is loud and astubborn ; her feet abide not in her house:
 12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at aevery corner.)
 13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,
 14 I have peace aofferings with me; this day have I payed my vows.
 15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.
 16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.
 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aaloes , and cinnamon.
 18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.
 19 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:
 20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.
 21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.
 22 He goeth after her astraightway , as an ox goeth to the bslaughter , or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
 23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the asnare , and knoweth not that it is for his life.
 24 ¶ Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.
 25 Let not thine aheart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
 26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.
 27 Her ahouse is the way to bhell , going down to the chambers of death.

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 8

Verses
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, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36

Wisdom is greatly to be desired—The Lord and the sons of men possessed wisdom in pre-existence.

 1 DOTH not wisdom acry ? and understanding put forth her voice?
 2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
 3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
 4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
 5 O ye asimple , understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding bheart .
 6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
 7 For my mouth shall aspeak btruth ; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
 8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
 9 They are all plain to him that aunderstandeth , and right to them that find bknowledge .
 10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
 11 For awisdom is better than brubies ; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
 12 I wisdom dwell with aprudence , and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
 13 The afear of the LORD is to bhate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
 14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
 15 By me akings reign, and princes decree justice.
 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
 17 I alove them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
 18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable ariches and righteousness.
 19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
 20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
 21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
 22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his aworks of old.
 23 I was set up from aeverlasting , from the bbeginning , or ever the earth was.
 24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
 25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
 26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor athe highest part of the dust of the world.
 27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a acompass upon the face of the depth:
 28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
 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:
 30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
 31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
 32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
 33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
 34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
 35 For whoso findeth me findeth alife , and shall obtain favour of the LORD.
 36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love adeath .

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 9

Verses
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

Rebuke a wise man and he will love thee—The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom—The guests of an immoral woman are in the depths of hell.

 1 aWISDOM hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:
 2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.
 3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
 4 Whoso is asimple , let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
 5 aCome , eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.
 6 Forsake the afoolish , and live; and go in the way of bunderstanding .
 7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
 8 aReprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will blove thee.
 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: ateach a just man, and he will bincrease in clearning .
 10 The afear of the LORD is the beginning of bwisdom : and the cknowledge of the dholy is eunderstanding .
 11 For by me thy adays shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
 12 If thou be awise , thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bbear it.
 13 ¶ A foolish awoman is clamourous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.
 14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
 15 To call passengers who go right on their ways:
 16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
 17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
 18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of ahell .

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The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 10

Verses
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, 32

A wise son maketh a glad father—The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life—He that uttereth slander is a fool—The desire of the righteous shall be granted.

 1 THE aproverbs of Solomon. A bwise son maketh a cglad dfather : but a efoolish son is the fheaviness of his gmother .
 2 aTreasures of wickedness profit nothing: but brighteousness delivereth from death.
 3 The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.
 4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a aslack hand: but the hand of the bdiligent maketh rich.
 5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
 6 aBlessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
 7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the awicked shall brot .
 8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
 9 He that awalketh buprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
 10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.
 11 The mouth of a arighteous man is a bwell of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
 12 aHatred stirreth up bstrifes : but love covereth all sins.
 13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a arod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
 14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the amouth of the foolish is near destruction.
 15 The rich man’s awealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
 16 The alabour of the righteous tendeth to blife : the fruit of the wicked to sin.
 17 He is in the way of life that keepeth ainstruction : but he that refuseth breproof erreth.
 18 He that hideth ahatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a bslander , is a fool.
 19 In the multitude of awords there wanteth not sin: but he that brefraineth his lips is wise.
 20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
 21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but afools die for want of wisdom.
 22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh arich , and he addeth no sorrow with it.
 23 It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
 24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
 25 As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
 26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.
 27 The afear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
 28 The ahope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.
 29 The way of the LORD is astrength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
 30 The arighteous shall never be bremoved : but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
 31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the afroward tongue shall be cut out.
 32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the amouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 11

Verses
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

The state and rewards of the righteous and the wicked are contrasted—When a wicked man dies, his expectations perish—He that winneth souls is wise.

 1 aA FALSE bbalance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
 2 When apride cometh, then cometh bshame : but with the lowly is wisdom.
 3 The aintegrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
 4 aRiches profit not in the day of bwrath : but righteousness delivereth from death.
 5 The arighteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall bfall by his own wickedness.
 6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
 7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
 8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
 9 An ahypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the bjust be delivered.
 10 When it goeth well with the arighteous , the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
 11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
 12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his aneighbour : but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
 13 A atalebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
 14 Where no acounsel is, the people fall: but in the bmultitude of ccounsellors there is safety.
 15 He that is asurety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
 16 A gracious awoman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
 17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is acruel troubleth his own flesh.
 18 The wicked worketh a adeceitful work: but to him that soweth brighteousness shall be a sure creward .
 19 As righteousness tendeth to alife : so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
 20 They that are aof a bfroward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
 21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
 22 As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
 23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
 24 There is that scattereth, and yet aincreaseth ; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
 25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that awatereth shall be watered also himself.
 26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
 27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
 28 He that atrusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
 29 He that troubleth his own ahouse shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
 30 The fruit of the righteous is a atree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
 31 Behold, the righteous shall be arecompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 12

Verses
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

A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband—The way of a fool is right in his own eyes—Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.

 1 WHOSO loveth ainstruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth breproof is brutish.
 2 A good man obtaineth afavour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
 3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
 4 A avirtuous bwoman is a crown to her chusband : but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
 5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the acounsels of the wicked are bdeceit .
 6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
 7 The awicked are boverthrown , and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
 8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
 9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that ahonoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
 10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his abeast : but the tender mercies of the wicked are bcruel .
 11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
 12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
 13 The wicked is snared by the atransgression of his blips : but the just shall come out of trouble.
 14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his amouth : and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.
 15 The way of a afool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto bcounsel is wise.
 16 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a aprudent man covereth shame.
 17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
 18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
 19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
 20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
 21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
 22 aLying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal btruly are his cdelight .
 23 A aprudent man concealeth bknowledge : but the heart of fools proclaimeth cfoolishness .
 24 The hand of the adiligent shall bear rule: but the bslothful shall be under tribute.
 25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
 26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
 27 The aslothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a bdiligent man is precious.
 28 In the way of arighteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 13

Verses
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

The way of the transgressor is hard—Evil pursueth sinners—He that spareth his rod hateth his son.

 1 A WISE son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
 2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
 3 He that keepeth his amouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his blips shall have destruction.
 4 The soul of the asluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
 5 A righteous man ahateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
 6 aRighteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
 7 There is that maketh himself arich , yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great briches .
 8 The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
 9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the alamp of the wicked shall be put out.
 10 Only by apride cometh bcontention : but with the well advised is wisdom.
 11 aWealth gotten by bvanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by clabour shall increase.
 12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
 13 Whoso adespiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be brewarded .
 14 The law of the wise is a afountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
 15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
 16 Every aprudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
 17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
 18 Poverty and ashame shall be to him that refuseth binstruction : but he that regardeth creproof shall be honoured.
 19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
 20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
 21 aEvil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
 22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the ajust .
 23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
 24 He that spareth his arod hateth his son: but he that loveth him bchasteneth him betimes.
 25 The righteous eateth to the asatisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

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The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 14

Verses
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, 32, 33, 34, 35

Go from the presence of a foolish man—A true witness delivereth souls—Righteousness exalteth a nation.

 1 EVERY wise awoman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
 2 He that awalketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
 3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
 4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
 5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
 6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but aknowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
 7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
 8 The awisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is bdeceit .
 9 aFools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
 10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
 11 The ahouse of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the btabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
 12 There is a away which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of bdeath .
 13 Even in alaughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that bmirth is heaviness.
 14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
 15 The simple believeth every word: but the aprudent man looketh well to his going.
 16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is aconfident .
 17 He that is soon aangry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
 18 The simple inherit folly: but the aprudent are crowned with bknowledge .
 19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
 20 The apoor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many bfriends .
 21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the apoor , bhappy is he.
 22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
 23 In all alabour there is profit: but the btalk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
 24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the afoolishness of fools is folly.
 25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
 26 In the afear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
 27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
 28 In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
 29 He that is aslow to bwrath is of great cunderstanding : but he that is dhasty of spirit exalteth folly.
 30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but aenvy the rottenness of the bones.
 31 He that aoppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
 32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his adeath .
 33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
 34 aRighteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
 35 The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

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The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 15

Verses
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, 32, 33

A soft answer turneth away wrath—A wise son maketh a glad father—The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord—Before honor is humility.

 1 A a SOFT banswer turneth away cwrath : but grievous words stir up anger.
 2 The atongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out bfoolishness .
 3 The aeyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
 4 A wholesome atongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
 5 A afool despiseth his father’s binstruction : but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
 6 In the house of the righteous is much atreasure : but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
 7 The alips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
 8 The asacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after arighteousness .
 10 aCorrection is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth breproof shall cdie .
 11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
 12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
 13 A amerry bheart maketh a ccheerful countenance: but by dsorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
 14 The heart of him that hath aunderstanding seeketh bknowledge : but the mouth of fools feedeth on cfoolishness .
 15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
 16 Better is alittle with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where alove is, than a bstalled ox and hatred therewith.
 18 A awrathful man stirreth up bstrife : but he that is slow to canger appeaseth dstrife .
 19 The way of the aslothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
 20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a afoolish man despiseth his bmother .
 21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of aunderstanding walketh uprightly.
 22 Without acounsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
 23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a aword spoken in due bseason , how good is it!
 24 The way of life is aabove to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
 25 The LORD will destroy the house of the aproud : but he will establish the border of the bwidow .
 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
 27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
 28 The heart of the righteous astudieth to banswer : but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
 29 The LORD is afar from the bwicked : but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
 30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
 31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
 32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that aheareth reproof getteth bunderstanding .
 33 The afear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before bhonour is chumility .

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 16

Verses
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, 32, 33

It is better to get wisdom than gold—Pride goeth before destruction—The hoary head of the righteous is a crown of glory.

 1 THE apreparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the btongue , is from the LORD.
 2 All the ways of a man are aclean in his bown eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
 3 aCommit thy works unto the LORD, and thy bthoughts shall be established.
 4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
 5 Every one that is aproud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
 6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the afear of the LORD men bdepart from cevil .
 7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his aenemies to be at bpeace with him.
 8 aBetter is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
 9 A man’s heart adeviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
 10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
 11 A just weight and balance are the LORD’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.
 12 It is an abomination to kings to commit awickedness : for the throne is established by righteousness.
 13 aRighteous blips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
 14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
 15 In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
 16 How much better is it to get awisdom than gold! and to get bunderstanding rather to be chosen than silver!
 17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
 18 aPride goeth before destruction, and an bhaughty spirit before a fall.
 19 Better it is to be of an ahumble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
 20 He that ahandleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso btrusteth in the LORD, chappy is he.
 21 The wise in heart shall be called aprudent : and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
 22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
 23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
 24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
 25 There is a away that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
 26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
 27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning afire .
 28 A froward man soweth astrife : and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
 29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
 30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
 31 aThe hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
 32 He that is slow to aanger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
 33 The alot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 17

Verses
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

He that is glad at calamities shall be punished—A friend loveth at all times—Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise.

 1 BETTER is a dry morsel, and aquietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with bstrife .
 2 A wise aservant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
 3 The afining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD btrieth the chearts .
 4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
 5 Whoso amocketh the bpoor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is cglad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
 6 aChildren’s children are the bcrown of old men; and the cglory of dchildren are their fathers.
 7 Excellent aspeech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
 8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
 9 He that acovereth a transgression bseeketh clove ; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
 10 A areproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
 11 An evil man seeketh only arebellion : therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
 12 Let a abear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
 13 Whoso arewardeth bevil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
 14 The beginning of astrife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off bcontention , before it be meddled with.
 15 He that ajustifieth the bwicked , and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
 16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
 17 A afriend loveth at all times, and a bbrother is born for adversity.
 18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
 19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that aexalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
 20 He that hath a afroward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
 21 He that begetteth a afool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
 22 A amerry bheart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
 23 A wicked man taketh a agift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
 24 Wisdom is before him that hath aunderstanding ; but the beyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
 25 A afoolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
 26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
 27 He that hath knowledge aspareth his words: and a man of bunderstanding cis of an excellent spirit.
 28 Even a fool, when he aholdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that bshutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 18

Verses
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

A fool’s mouth is his destruction—Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing—A man that hath friends must show himself friendly.

 1 THROUGH desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
 2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
 3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
 4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep awaters , and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
 5 It is not good to accept the aperson of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
 6 A fool’s lips enter into acontention , and his mouth calleth for strokes.
 7 A fool’s amouth is his bdestruction , and his lips are the snare of his soul.
 8 The words of a atalebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
 9 He also that is aslothful in his work is brother to him that is a great bwaster .
 10 The name of the LORD is a strong atower : the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
 11 The arich man’s bwealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
 12 Before destruction the heart of man is ahaughty , and before honour is bhumility .
 13 He that aanswereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
 14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
 15 The heart of the aprudent getteth bknowledge ; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
 16 A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
 17 He that is afirst in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
 18 The alot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
 19 A abrother boffended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their ccontentions are like the bars of a castle.
 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.
 21 Death and life are in the power of the atongue : and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
 22 a Whoso findeth a bwife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
 23 The apoor useth bintreaties ; but the rich answereth roughly.
 24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a afriend that sticketh closer than a bbrother .

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The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 19

Verses
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

A prudent wife is from the Lord—He that lendeth to the poor lendeth to the Lord—A poor man is better than a liar.

 1 BETTER is the apoor that walketh in his bintegrity , than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
 2 Also, that the soul be without aknowledge , it is not good; and he that bhasteth with his feet sinneth.
 3 The afoolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
 4 Wealth maketh many afriends ; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
 5 A false awitness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh blies shall not escape.
 6 Many will intreat the afavour of the prince: and every man is a bfriend to him that giveth gifts.
 7 All the brethren of the apoor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
 8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth aunderstanding shall find good.
 9 A false witness shall not be aunpunished , and he that speaketh blies shall perish.
 10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a aservant to have rule over princes.
 11 The adiscretion of a man deferreth his banger ; and it is his cglory to pass over a dtransgression .
 12 The king’s wrath is as the aroaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.
 13 A foolish son is the calamity of his afather : and the contentions of a bwife are a ccontinual dropping.
 14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a aprudent wife is from the LORD.
 15 aSlothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an bidle soul shall suffer hunger.
 16 He that akeepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
 17 He that hath apity upon the bpoor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
 18 aChasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
 19 A man of great awrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.
 20 Hear counsel, and receive ainstruction , that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
 21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the acounsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
 22 The desire of a man is his akindness : and a poor man is better than a bliar .
 23 The afear of the LORD tendeth to blife : and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
 24 A aslothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
 25 Smite a ascorner , and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
 26 He that wasteth his afather , and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
 27 Cease, my son, to ahear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
 28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.
 29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and astripes for the back of fools.

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 20

Verses
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

Wine is a mocker, and strong drink is raging—Turn to the Lord and he will save thee.

 1 aWINE is a bmocker , strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
 2 The fear of a king is as the aroaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to banger sinneth against his own soul.
 3 It is an honour for a man to cease from astrife : but every bfool will be cmeddling .
 4 The asluggard will not plow by reason of the bcold ; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
 5 aCounsel in the bheart of man is like deep cwater ; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
 6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
 7 The just man awalketh in his bintegrity : his cchildren are blessed after him.
 8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment ascattereth away all evil with his eyes.
 9 Who can say, I have made my heart aclean , I am pure from my bsin ?
 10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.
 11 Even a child is known by his adoings , whether his bwork be pure, and whether it be right.
 12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
 13 Love not asleep , lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
 14 It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he aboasteth .
 15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious ajewel .
 16 Take his agarment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
 17 aBread of bdeceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
 18 Every purpose is established by acounsel : and with good badvice make cwar .
 19 He that goeth about as a atalebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that bflattereth with his lips.
 20 Whoso curseth his afather or his mother, his blamp shall be put out in obscure cdarkness .
 21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
 22 Say not thou, I will arecompense evil; but bwait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
 23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and aa false balance is not good.
 24 Man’s agoings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
 25 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry.
 26 A wise aking scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
 27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
 28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
 29 The aglory of young men is their strength: and the bbeauty of cold men is the dgray head.
 30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do astripes the inward parts of the belly.

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The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 21

Verses
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

Do justice and judgment—Follow after righteousness and mercy—Safety is of the Lord.

 1 THE aking’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
 2 Every way of a man is right in his aown eyes: but the LORD bpondereth the chearts .
 3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than asacrifice .
 4 aAn high look, and a bproud heart, and cthe plowing of the wicked, is sin.
 5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is ahasty only to want.
 6 The getting of atreasures by a lying tongue is a bvanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
 7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
 8 aThe way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
 9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, athan with a brawling bwoman in a cwide house.
 10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his aneighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
 11 When the ascorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
 12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the awicked : but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
 13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the apoor , he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
 14 A gift in secret pacifieth aanger : and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
 15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of ainiquity .
 16 The man that awandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
 17 He that loveth apleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be brich .
 18 The wicked shall be a aransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
 19 It is better to adwell in the wilderness, than with a bcontentious and an angry woman.
 20 There is atreasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man bspendeth it up.
 21 He that followeth after arighteousness and mercy findeth blife , righteousness, and honour.
 22 A awise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
 23 Whoso keepeth his amouth and his btongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
 24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
 25 The desire of the aslothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to blabour .
 26 He acoveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous bgiveth and spareth not.
 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
 28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
 29 A wicked man ahardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
 30 There is no wisdom nor aunderstanding nor counsel against the LORD.
 31 The ahorse is prepared against the day of battle: but bsafety is of the LORD.

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The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 22

Verses
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

A good name is better than riches—Train up a child in the way he should go.

 1 A GOOD aname is rather to be chosen than great briches , and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
 2 The arich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.
 3 A aprudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
 4 By ahumility and the bfear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
 5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the afroward : he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
 6 aTrain up a bchild in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
 7 The arich ruleth over the poor, and the bborrower is cservant to the lender.
 8 He that asoweth iniquity shall breap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
 9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his abread to the bpoor .
 10 Cast out the scorner, and acontention shall go out; yea, bstrife and reproach shall cease.
 11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.
 12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
 13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
 14 The mouth of astrange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.
 15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
 16 He that aoppresseth the poor to increase his b riches , and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
 17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
 18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
 19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
 20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
 21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the awords of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
 22 Rob not the apoor , because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
 23 For the LORD will aplead their bcause , and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
 24 Make no afriendship with an bangry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
 25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
 26 Be not thou one of them that astrike hands, or of them that are bsureties for debts.
 27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
 28 Remove not the ancient alandmark , which thy fathers have set.
 29 Seest thou a man adiligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before bmean men.

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Proverbs

Chapter 23

Verses
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, 32, 33, 34, 35

Labor not to be rich—As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he—Withhold not correction from a child—Be not among winebibbers.

 1 WHEN thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:
 2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to aappetite .
 3 Be not desirous of his adainties : for they are deceitful meat.
 4 Labour not to be arich : cease from thine own bwisdom .
 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.
 6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
 7 For as he athinketh in his bheart , so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
 8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.
 9 Speak not in the ears of a afool : for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
 10 Remove not the old alandmark ; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
 11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall aplead their cause with thee.
 12 Apply thine heart unto ainstruction , and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
 13 Withhold not acorrection from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
 14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
 15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
 16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.
 17 Let not thine heart envy asinners : but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
 18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.
 19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
 20 Be not among awinebibbers ; among briotous eaters of flesh:
 21 For the adrunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
 22 aHearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
 23 Buy the atruth , and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
 24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
 25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.
 26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes aobserve my ways.
 27 For a awhore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.
 28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.
 29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath acontentions ? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
 30 They that tarry long at the awine ; they that go to seek mixed wine.
 31 Look not thou upon the awine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an aadder .
 33 Thine eyes shall behold astrange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
 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.
 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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The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 24

Verses
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, 32, 33, 34

In multitude of counselors there is safety—Fret not thyself because of evil men—It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

 1 BE not thou aenvious against bevil men, neither desire to be with them.
 2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.
 3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:
 4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
 5 A wise man is astrong ; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
 6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy awar : and in bmultitude of ccounsellors there is safety.
 7 Wisdom is too high for a afool : he openeth not his mouth in the gate.
 8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.
 9 The thought of afoolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.
 10 If thou afaint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
 11 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
 12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that apondereth 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 bworks ?
 13 My son, eat thou ahoney , because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:
 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.
 15 Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:
 16 For a just man falleth seven times, and ariseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
 17 Rejoice not when thine aenemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
 18 Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
 19 Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou aenvious at the wicked;
 20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the acandle of the wicked shall be put out.
 21 My son, afear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:
 22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
 23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have arespect of persons in judgment.
 24 He that saith unto the awicked , Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
 25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.
 26 Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.
 27 aPrepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.
 28 Be not a awitness against thy neighbour without cause; and bdeceive not with thy lips.
 29 Say not, I will ado so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
 30 I went by the field of the aslothful , and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
 31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone awall thereof was broken down.
 32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.
 33 Yet a little asleep , a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
 34 So shall thy poverty come as one athat travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

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The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 25

Verses
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

Boast not of false gifts—Give food and drink to thine enemy.

 1 THESE are also aproverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
 2 It is the glory of God to aconceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
 3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
 4 Take away the adross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
 5 aTake away the wicked from before the bking , and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
 6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
 7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, aCome up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
 8 Go not forth hastily to astrive , lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
 9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and adiscover not a secret to another:
 10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
 11 A aword fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
 12 As an earring of gold, and an aornament of fine gold, so is a wise breprover upon an obedient ear.
 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.
 14 Whoso aboasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
 15 By long aforbearing is a prince bpersuaded , and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
 16 Hast thou found ahoney ? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
 17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.
 18 A man that abeareth bfalse witness against his neighbour is a cmaul , and a dsword , and a sharp arrow.
 19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
 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.
 21 If thine aenemy be bhungry , give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
 22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall areward thee.
 23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a abackbiting tongue.
 24 It is better to adwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
 25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
 26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as aa troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
 27 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own aglory is not glory.
 28 He that hath no arule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

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The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 26

Verses
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

Honor is not seemly for a fool—Answer not a fool according to his folly—Where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

 1 AS snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so ahonour is not seemly for a fool.
 2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
 3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
 4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
 5 aAnswer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his bown conceit.
 6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh adamage .
 7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
 8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
 9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
 10 The great God that formed all things both arewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
 11 As a dog returneth to his avomit , so a fool returneth to his folly.
 12 Seest thou a man wise in his own aconceit ? there is more hope of a bfool than of him.
 13 The aslothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
 14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
 15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
 16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
 17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that ataketh a dog by the ears.
 18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
 19 So is the man that adeceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
 20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no atalebearer , the bstrife ceaseth.
 21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a acontentious man to kindle strife.
 22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
 23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a apotsherd covered with silver dross.
 24 He that ahateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up bdeceit within him;
 25 When he aspeaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
 26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be ashewed before the whole congregation.
 27 Whoso diggeth a apit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
 28 A alying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a bflattering mouth worketh ruin.

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The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 27

Verses
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

Let another man praise thee—A prudent man foreseeth evil—Hell and destruction are never full.

 1 aBOAST not thyself of to bmorrow ; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
 2 Let another man apraise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
 3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s awrath is heavier than them both.
 4 Wrath is acruel , and banger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
 5 Open arebuke is better than secret love.
 6 Faithful are the awounds of a bfriend ; but the ckisses of an enemy are ddeceitful .
 7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
 8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
 9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
 10 Thine own afriend , and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a bneighbour that is near than a brother far off.
 11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
 12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
 13 Take his agarment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a bstrange woman.
 14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a acurse to him.
 15 A acontinual dropping in a very rainy day and a bcontentious woman are alike.
 16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.
 17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his afriend .
 18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall aeat the fruit thereof: so he that bwaiteth on his master shall be honoured.
 19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
 20 aHell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never bsatisfied .
 21 As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
 22 Though thou shouldest abray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
 23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy aflocks , and look well to thy herds.
 24 For ariches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
 25 The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
 26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.
 27 And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 28

Verses
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

The wicked flee where no man pursueth—Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved—A faithful man shall abound with blessings.

 1 THE wicked aflee when no man pursueth: but the brighteous are bold as a lion.
 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.
 3 A poor man that aoppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
 4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
 5 Evil men aunderstand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
 6 Better is the poor that walketh in his auprightness , than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
 7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of ariotous men bshameth his father.
 8 He that by ausury and unjust gain bincreaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
 9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the alaw , even his bprayer shall be abomination.
 10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall afall himself into his own bpit : but the upright shall have good c things in possession.
 11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the apoor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
 12 When arighteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
 13 He that acovereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso bconfesseth and cforsaketh them shall have mercy.
 14 Happy is the man that afeareth alway: but he that bhardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
 15 As a aroaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
 16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth acovetousness shall prolong his days.
 17 A man that doeth violence to the ablood of any person shall bflee to the pit; let no man stay him.
 18 Whoso awalketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
 19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
 20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh ahaste to be brich shall not be innocent.
 21 To have arespect of persons is not good: for for a bpiece of cbread that man will transgress.
 22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
 23 He that arebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that bflattereth with the tongue.
 24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
 25 He that is of a aproud heart stirreth up bstrife : but he that putteth his ctrust in the LORD shall be dmade fat.
 26 He that atrusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
 27 He that giveth unto the apoor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
 28 When the awicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 29

Verses
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

When the wicked rule, the people mourn—The righteous considereth the cause of the poor—A fool uttereth all his mind—Where there is no vision, the people perish.

 1 HE, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without aremedy .
 2 When the arighteous are in bauthority , the people crejoice : but when the dwicked beareth erule , the people fmourn .
 3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots aspendeth his substance.
 4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
 5 A man that aflattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
 6 In the atransgression of an evil man there is a bsnare : but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
 7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
 8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
 9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
 10 The abloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
 11 A fool auttereth all his bmind : but a cwise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
 12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
 13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
 14 The aking that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
 15 The arod and breproof give wisdom: but a cchild left to himself bringeth his dmother to eshame .
 16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
 17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
 18 Where there is no avision , the people bperish : but he that ckeepeth the dlaw , ehappy is he.
 19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
 20 Seest thou a man that is ahasty in his words? there is more hope of a bfool than of him.
 21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
 22 An aangry man stirreth up bstrife , and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
 23 A man’s apride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the bhumble in spirit.
 24 Whoso is partner with a thief ahateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
 25 The afear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his btrust in the LORD shall be safe.
 26 Many seek the ruler’s afavour ; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD.
 27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the awicked .

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 30

Verses
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, 32, 33

Every word of God is pure—Give me neither poverty nor riches.

 1 THE words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
 2 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.
 3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the aknowledge of the holy.
 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?
 5 Every word of God is apure : he is a bshield unto them that put their trust in him.
 6 aAdd thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
 7 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
 8 Remove far from me avanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor briches ; feed me with cfood convenient for me:
 9 Lest I be full, and adeny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
 10 Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.
 11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
 12 There is a ageneration that are bpure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their cfilthiness .
 13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their aeyes ! and their eyelids are lifted up.
 14 There is a generation, whose ateeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
 15 The ahorseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:
 16 The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.
 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.
 18 There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:
 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.
 20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her amouth , and saith, I have done no wickedness.
 21 For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:
 22 For a aservant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;
 23 For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
 24 There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:
 25 The aants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
 26 The aconies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;
 27 The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;
 28 The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces.
 29 There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:
 30 A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
 31 A agreyhound ; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.
 32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
 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 astrife .

The Standard Works
The Old Testament

Proverbs

Chapter 31

Verses
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

Wine and strong drink condemned—Plead the cause of the poor and needy—A virtuous woman is priced above rubies.

 1 THE words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his amother taught him.
 2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
 3 Give not thy strength unto awomen , nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink awine ; nor for princes strong drink:
 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
 6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
 7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
 8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
 9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the acause of the poor and needy.
 10 ¶ Who can find a avirtuous bwoman ? for her price is far above rubies.
 11 The heart of her husband doth safely atrust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her ahands .
 14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
 15 She ariseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the adistaff .
 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the apoor ; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her aclothing is silk and purple.
 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
 25 Strength and honour are her aclothing ; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of akindness .
 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of aidleness .
 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
 30 Favour is deceitful, and abeauty is vain: but a woman that bfeareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.