Wisdom’s Call

Does not wisdom call out?(A)
    Does not understanding raise her voice?
At the highest point along the way,
    where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
beside the gate leading into the city,
    at the entrance, she cries aloud:(B)
“To you, O people, I call out;(C)
    I raise my voice to all mankind.
You who are simple,(D) gain prudence;(E)
    you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.[a]
Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;
    I open my lips to speak what is right.
My mouth speaks what is true,(F)
    for my lips detest wickedness.
All the words of my mouth are just;
    none of them is crooked or perverse.
To the discerning all of them are right;
    they are upright to those who have found knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction instead of silver,
    knowledge rather than choice gold,(G)
11 for wisdom is more precious(H) than rubies,
    and nothing you desire can compare with her.(I)

12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;
    I possess knowledge and discretion.(J)
13 To fear the Lord(K) is to hate evil;(L)
    I hate(M) pride and arrogance,
    evil behavior and perverse speech.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
    I have insight, I have power.(N)
15 By me kings reign
    and rulers(O) issue decrees that are just;
16 by me princes govern,(P)
    and nobles—all who rule on earth.[b]
17 I love those who love me,(Q)
    and those who seek me find me.(R)
18 With me are riches and honor,(S)
    enduring wealth and prosperity.(T)
19 My fruit is better than fine gold;(U)
    what I yield surpasses choice silver.(V)
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,(W)
    along the paths of justice,
21 bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me
    and making their treasuries full.(X)

22 “The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works,[c][d]
    before his deeds of old;
23 I was formed long ages ago,
    at the very beginning, when the world came to be.
24 When there were no watery depths, I was given birth,
    when there were no springs overflowing with water;(Y)
25 before the mountains were settled in place,(Z)
    before the hills, I was given birth,(AA)
26 before he made the world or its fields
    or any of the dust of the earth.(AB)
27 I was there when he set the heavens in place,(AC)
    when he marked out the horizon(AD) on the face of the deep,
28 when he established the clouds above(AE)
    and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,(AF)
29 when he gave the sea its boundary(AG)
    so the waters would not overstep his command,(AH)
and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.(AI)
30     Then I was constantly[e] at his side.(AJ)
I was filled with delight day after day,
    rejoicing always in his presence,
31 rejoicing in his whole world
    and delighting in mankind.(AK)

32 “Now then, my children, listen(AL) to me;
    blessed are(AM) those who keep my ways.(AN)
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise;
    do not disregard it.
34 Blessed are those who listen(AO) to me,
    watching daily at my doors,
    waiting at my doorway.
35 For those who find me(AP) find life(AQ)
    and receive favor from the Lord.(AR)
36 But those who fail to find me harm themselves;(AS)
    all who hate me love death.”(AT)

Invitations of Wisdom and Folly

Wisdom has built(AU) her house;
    she has set up[f] its seven pillars.
She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;(AV)
    she has also set her table.(AW)
She has sent out her servants, and she calls(AX)
    from the highest point of the city,(AY)
    “Let all who are simple(AZ) come to my house!”
To those who have no sense(BA) she says,
    “Come,(BB) eat my food
    and drink the wine I have mixed.(BC)
Leave your simple ways and you will live;(BD)
    walk in the way of insight.”(BE)

Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
    whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.(BF)
Do not rebuke mockers(BG) or they will hate you;
    rebuke the wise and they will love you.(BH)
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
    teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.(BI)

10 The fear of the Lord(BJ) is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One(BK) is understanding.(BL)
11 For through wisdom[g] your days will be many,
    and years will be added to your life.(BM)
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
    if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

13 Folly is an unruly woman;(BN)
    she is simple and knows nothing.(BO)
14 She sits at the door of her house,
    on a seat at the highest point of the city,(BP)
15 calling out(BQ) to those who pass by,
    who go straight on their way,
16     “Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense(BR) she says,
17     “Stolen water is sweet;
    food eaten in secret is delicious!(BS)
18 But little do they know that the dead are there,
    that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.(BT)

Proverbs of Solomon

10 The proverbs(BU) of Solomon:(BV)

A wise son brings joy to his father,(BW)
    but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.

Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value,(BX)
    but righteousness delivers from death.(BY)

The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry,(BZ)
    but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.(CA)

Lazy hands make for poverty,(CB)
    but diligent hands bring wealth.(CC)

He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son,
    but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.(CD)

Blessings crown the head of the righteous,
    but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.[h](CE)

The name of the righteous(CF) is used in blessings,[i]
    but the name of the wicked(CG) will rot.(CH)

The wise in heart accept commands,
    but a chattering fool comes to ruin.(CI)

Whoever walks in integrity(CJ) walks securely,(CK)
    but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.(CL)

10 Whoever winks maliciously(CM) causes grief,
    and a chattering fool comes to ruin.

11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,(CN)
    but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.(CO)

12 Hatred stirs up conflict,
    but love covers over all wrongs.(CP)

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,(CQ)
    but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.(CR)

14 The wise store up knowledge,(CS)
    but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.(CT)

15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city,(CU)
    but poverty is the ruin of the poor.(CV)

16 The wages of the righteous is life,(CW)
    but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.(CX)

17 Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,(CY)
    but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

18 Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips(CZ)
    and spreads slander is a fool.

19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
    but the prudent hold their tongues.(DA)

20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
    but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

21 The lips of the righteous nourish many,
    but fools die for lack of sense.(DB)

22 The blessing of the Lord(DC) brings wealth,(DD)
    without painful toil for it.(DE)

23 A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes,(DF)
    but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.

24 What the wicked dread(DG) will overtake them;(DH)
    what the righteous desire will be granted.(DI)

25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone,
    but the righteous stand firm(DJ) forever.(DK)

26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke(DL) to the eyes,
    so are sluggards to those who send them.(DM)

27 The fear of the Lord adds length to life,(DN)
    but the years of the wicked are cut short.(DO)

28 The prospect of the righteous is joy,
    but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.(DP)

29 The way of the Lord is a refuge for the blameless,
    but it is the ruin of those who do evil.(DQ)

30 The righteous will never be uprooted,
    but the wicked will not remain in the land.(DR)

31 From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom,(DS)
    but a perverse tongue(DT) will be silenced.

32 The lips of the righteous know what finds favor,(DU)
    but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.(DV)

11 The Lord detests dishonest scales,(DW)
    but accurate weights find favor with him.(DX)

When pride comes, then comes disgrace,(DY)
    but with humility comes wisdom.(DZ)

The integrity of the upright guides them,
    but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.(EA)

Wealth(EB) is worthless in the day of wrath,(EC)
    but righteousness delivers from death.(ED)

The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight,(EE)
    but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.(EF)

The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
    but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.(EG)

Hopes placed in mortals die with them;(EH)
    all the promise of[j] their power comes to nothing.(EI)

The righteous person is rescued from trouble,
    and it falls on the wicked instead.(EJ)

With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors,
    but through knowledge the righteous escape.(EK)

10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices;(EL)
    when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.(EM)

11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,(EN)
    but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.(EO)

12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense,(EP)
    but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.(EQ)

13 A gossip betrays a confidence,(ER)
    but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.(ES)

14 For lack of guidance a nation falls,(ET)
    but victory is won through many advisers.(EU)

15 Whoever puts up security(EV) for a stranger will surely suffer,
    but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.(EW)

16 A kindhearted woman gains honor,(EX)
    but ruthless men gain only wealth.

17 Those who are kind benefit themselves,
    but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.

18 A wicked person earns deceptive wages,
    but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.(EY)

19 Truly the righteous attain life,(EZ)
    but whoever pursues evil finds death.(FA)

20 The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse,(FB)
    but he delights(FC) in those whose ways are blameless.(FD)

21 Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished,
    but those who are righteous will go free.(FE)

22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout
    is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.

23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good,
    but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.

24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
    another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

25 A generous(FF) person will prosper;
    whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.(FG)

26 People curse the one who hoards grain,
    but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.

27 Whoever seeks good finds favor,
    but evil comes to one who searches for it.(FH)

28 Those who trust in their riches will fall,(FI)
    but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.(FJ)

29 Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind,
    and the fool will be servant to the wise.(FK)

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,(FL)
    and the one who is wise saves lives.

31 If the righteous receive their due(FM) on earth,
    how much more the ungodly and the sinner!

12 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
    but whoever hates correction is stupid.(FN)

Good people obtain favor from the Lord,(FO)
    but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes.(FP)

No one can be established through wickedness,
    but the righteous cannot be uprooted.(FQ)

A wife of noble character(FR) is her husband’s crown,
    but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.(FS)

The plans of the righteous are just,
    but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.

The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
    but the speech of the upright rescues them.(FT)

The wicked are overthrown and are no more,(FU)
    but the house of the righteous stands firm.(FV)

A person is praised according to their prudence,
    and one with a warped(FW) mind is despised.

Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant
    than pretend to be somebody and have no food.

10 The righteous care for the needs of their animals,(FX)
    but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

11 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
    but those who chase fantasies have no sense.(FY)

12 The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers,
    but the root of the righteous endures.

13 Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk,(FZ)
    and so the innocent escape trouble.(GA)

14 From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,(GB)
    and the work of their hands brings them reward.(GC)

15 The way of fools seems right to them,(GD)
    but the wise listen to advice.(GE)

16 Fools(GF) show their annoyance at once,(GG)
    but the prudent overlook an insult.(GH)

17 An honest witness tells the truth,
    but a false witness tells lies.(GI)

18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,(GJ)
    but the tongue of the wise brings healing.(GK)

19 Truthful lips endure forever,
    but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
    but those who promote peace have joy.(GL)

21 No harm overtakes the righteous,(GM)
    but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

22 The Lord detests lying lips,(GN)
    but he delights(GO) in people who are trustworthy.(GP)

23 The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves,(GQ)
    but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.(GR)

24 Diligent hands will rule,
    but laziness ends in forced labor.(GS)

25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,(GT)
    but a kind word cheers it up.

26 The righteous choose their friends carefully,
    but the way of the wicked leads them astray.(GU)

27 The lazy do not roast[k] any game,
    but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.

28 In the way of righteousness there is life;(GV)
    along that path is immortality.

13 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
    but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.(GW)

From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things,(GX)
    but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.

Those who guard their lips(GY) preserve their lives,(GZ)
    but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.(HA)

A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,(HB)
    but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

The righteous hate what is false,(HC)
    but the wicked make themselves a stench
    and bring shame on themselves.

Righteousness guards the person of integrity,
    but wickedness overthrows the sinner.(HD)

One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;(HE)
    another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.(HF)

A person’s riches may ransom their life,
    but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.(HG)

The light of the righteous shines brightly,
    but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.(HH)

10 Where there is strife, there is pride,
    but wisdom is found in those who take advice.(HI)

11 Dishonest money dwindles away,(HJ)
    but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
    but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.(HK)

13 Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,(HL)
    but whoever respects(HM) a command is rewarded.(HN)

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,(HO)
    turning a person from the snares of death.(HP)

15 Good judgment wins favor,
    but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.[l]

16 All who are prudent act with[m] knowledge,
    but fools expose(HQ) their folly.(HR)

17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,(HS)
    but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.(HT)

18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,(HU)
    but whoever heeds correction is honored.(HV)

19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,(HW)
    but fools detest turning from evil.

20 Walk with the wise and become wise,
    for a companion of fools suffers harm.(HX)

21 Trouble pursues the sinner,(HY)
    but the righteous(HZ) are rewarded with good things.(IA)

22 A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,
    but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.(IB)

23 An unplowed field produces food for the poor,
    but injustice sweeps it away.

24 Whoever spares the rod(IC) hates their children,
    but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline(ID) them.(IE)

25 The righteous eat to their hearts’ content,
    but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.(IF)

14 The wise woman builds her house,(IG)
    but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly,
    but those who despise him are devious in their ways.

A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride,(IH)
    but the lips of the wise protect them.(II)

Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,
    but from the strength of an ox(IJ) come abundant harvests.

An honest witness does not deceive,
    but a false witness pours out lies.(IK)

The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
    but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.(IL)

Stay away from a fool,
    for you will not find knowledge on their lips.

The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,(IM)
    but the folly of fools is deception.(IN)

Fools mock at making amends for sin,
    but goodwill is found among the upright.

10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,
    and no one else can share its joy.

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,(IO)
    but the tent of the upright will flourish.(IP)

12 There is a way that appears to be right,(IQ)
    but in the end it leads to death.(IR)

13 Even in laughter(IS) the heart may ache,
    and rejoicing may end in grief.

14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,(IT)
    and the good rewarded for theirs.(IU)

15 The simple believe anything,
    but the prudent give thought to their steps.(IV)

16 The wise fear the Lord and shun evil,(IW)
    but a fool(IX) is hotheaded and yet feels secure.

17 A quick-tempered person(IY) does foolish things,(IZ)
    and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.(JA)

18 The simple inherit folly,
    but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good,
    and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.(JB)

20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors,
    but the rich have many friends.(JC)

21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor,(JD)
    but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.(JE)

22 Do not those who plot evil go astray?(JF)
    But those who plan what is good find[n] love and faithfulness.

23 All hard work brings a profit,
    but mere talk leads only to poverty.

24 The wealth of the wise is their crown,
    but the folly of fools yields folly.(JG)

25 A truthful witness saves lives,
    but a false witness is deceitful.(JH)

26 Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress,(JI)
    and for their children it will be a refuge.(JJ)

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,(JK)
    turning a person from the snares of death.(JL)

28 A large population is a king’s glory,
    but without subjects a prince is ruined.(JM)

29 Whoever is patient has great understanding,(JN)
    but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.(JO)

30 A heart at peace gives life to the body,
    but envy rots the bones.(JP)

31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,(JQ)
    but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.(JR)

32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,(JS)
    but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.(JT)

33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning(JU)
    and even among fools she lets herself be known.[o]

34 Righteousness exalts a nation,(JV)
    but sin condemns any people.

35 A king delights in a wise servant,
    but a shameful servant arouses his fury.(JW)

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 8:5 Septuagint; Hebrew foolish, instruct your minds
  2. Proverbs 8:16 Some Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint; other Hebrew manuscripts all righteous rulers
  3. Proverbs 8:22 Or way; or dominion
  4. Proverbs 8:22 Or The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work; or The Lord brought me forth at the beginning of his work
  5. Proverbs 8:30 Or was the artisan; or was a little child
  6. Proverbs 9:1 Septuagint, Syriac and Targum; Hebrew has hewn out
  7. Proverbs 9:11 Septuagint, Syriac and Targum; Hebrew me
  8. Proverbs 10:6 Or righteous, / but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence
  9. Proverbs 10:7 See Gen. 48:20.
  10. Proverbs 11:7 Two Hebrew manuscripts; most Hebrew manuscripts, Vulgate, Syriac and Targum When the wicked die, their hope perishes; / all they expected from
  11. Proverbs 12:27 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
  12. Proverbs 13:15 Septuagint and Syriac; the meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain.
  13. Proverbs 13:16 Or prudent protect themselves through
  14. Proverbs 14:22 Or show
  15. Proverbs 14:33 Hebrew; Septuagint and Syriac discerning / but in the heart of fools she is not known

Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

13 The fear of the Lord is to hate 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 kings reign, and princes decree justice.

16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches 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 works of old.

23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, 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 the highest part of the dust of the world.

27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass 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 life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.

36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.

She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,

Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

13 A foolish woman is clamorous: 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 hell.

10 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

He that walketh uprightly 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 righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth 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 fools die for want of wisdom.

22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, 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 fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

28 The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

29 The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

30 The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

11 A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.

When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.

When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.

The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

10 When it goeth well with the righteous, 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 neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.

17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.

20 They that are of a froward 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 increaseth; 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 watereth 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 trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

12 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

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 transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent 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 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful 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 slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

28 In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

13 A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

16 Every prudent 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 shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof 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 Evil 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 just.

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 rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

14 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.

In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.

Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

Fools 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 house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.

12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth 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 prudent man looketh well to his going.

16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.

21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.

25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

26 In the fear 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 slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

31 He that oppresseth 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 death.

33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

34 Righteousness 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.