Sirach
Prologue
chapter 1
1:1 i. A Prologue made by an uncertain Author] This Jesus was the son of Sirach, and grandchild to Jesus of the same name with him: this man therefore lived in the latter times, after the people had been led away captive, and called home a again, and almost after all the prophets. Now his grandfather Jesus, as he himself witnessed, was a man of great diligence and wisdom among the Hebrews, who did not only gather the grave and short sentences of wise men, that had been before him, but himself also uttered some of his own, full of much understanding and wisdom. When as therefore the first Jesus died, leaving this book almost perfected, Sirach his son receiving it after him left it to his own son Jesus, who, having gotten it into his hands, compiled it all orderly into one volume, and called it Wisdom, intituling it both by his own name, his father's name, and his grandfather's; alluring the hearer by the very name of Wisdom to have a greater love to the study of this book. It containeth therefore wise sayings, dark sentences, and parables, and certain particular ancient godly stories of men that pleased God; also his prayer and song; moreover, what benefits God had vouchsafed his people, and what plagues he had heaped upon their enemies. This Jesus did imitate Solomon, and was no less famous for wisdom and learning, both being indeed a man of great learning, and so reputed also.
ii. [The Prologue of the Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach.] Whereas many and great things have been delivered unto us by the law and the prophets, and by others that have followed their steps, for the which things Israel ought to be commended for learning and wisdom; and whereof not only the readers must needs become skilful themselves, but also they that desire to learn be able to profit them which are without, both by speaking and writing: my grandfather Jesus, when he had much given himself to the reading of the law, and the prophets, and other books of our fathers, and had gotten therein good judgment, was drawn on also himself to write something pertaining to learning and wisdom; to the intent that those which are desirous to learn, and are addicted to these things, might profit much more in living according to the law. Wherefore let me intreat you to read it with favour and attention, and to pardon us, wherein we may seem to come short of some words, which we have laboured to interpret. For the same things uttered in Hebrew, and translated into another tongue, have not the same force in them: and not only these things, but the law itself, and the prophets, and the rest of the books, have no small difference, when they are spoken in their own language. For in the eight and thirtieth year coming into Egypt, when Euergetes was king, and continuing there some time, I found a book of no small learning: therefore I thought it most necessary for me to bestow some diligence and travail to interpret it; using great watchfulness and skill in that space to bring the book to an end, and set it forth for them also, which in a strange country are willing to learn, being prepared before in manners to live after the law. All wisdom cometh from the Lord, and is with him for ever.
1:2 Who can number
the sand of the sea, and the drops of rain, and the days of eternity?
1:3 Who can find out the
height of heaven, and the breadth of the earth, and the deep, and wisdom?
1:4 Wisdom hath been created
before all things, and the understanding of prudence from everlasting.
1:5 The word of God most
high is the fountain of wisdom; and her ways are everlasting commandments.
1:6 To whom hath the root
of wisdom been revealed? or who hath known her wise counsels?
1:7 [Unto whom hath the
knowledge of wisdom been made manifest? and who hath understood her great experience?]
1:8 There is one wise
and greatly to be feared, the Lord sitting upon his throne.
1:9 He created her, and
saw her, and numbered her, and poured her out upon all his works.
1:10 She is with all
flesh according to his gift, and he hath given her to them that love him.
1:11 The fear of the
Lord is honour, and glory, and gladness, and a crown of rejoicing.
1:12 The fear of the
Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy, and gladness, and a long life.
1:13 Whoso feareth the
Lord, it shall go well with him at the last, and he shall find favour in the
day of his death.
1:14 To fear the Lord
is the beginning of wisdom: and it was created with the faithful in the womb.
1:15 She hath built an
everlasting foundation with men, and she shall continue with their seed.
1:16 To fear the Lord
is fulness of wisdom, and filleth men with her fruits.
1:17 She filleth all
their house with things desirable, and the garners with her increase.
1:18 The fear of the
Lord is a crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect health to flourish; both
which are the gifts of God: and it enlargeth their rejoicing that love him.
1:19 Wisdom raineth down
skill and knowledge of understanding standing, and exalteth them to honour that
hold her fast.
1:20 The root of wisdom
is to fear the Lord, and the branches thereof are long life.
1:21 The fear of the
Lord driveth away sins: and where it is present, it turneth away wrath.
1:22 A furious man cannot
be justified; for the sway of his fury shall be his destruction.
1:23 A patient man will
tear for a time, and afterward joy shall spring up unto him.
1:24 He will hide his
words for a time, and the lips of many shall declare his wisdom.
1:25 The parables of
knowledge are in the treasures of wisdom: but godliness is an abomination to
a sinner.
1:26 If thou desire wisdom,
keep the commandments, and the Lord shall give her unto thee.
1:27 For the fear of
the Lord is wisdom and instruction: and faith and meekness are his delight.
1:28 Distrust not the
fear of the Lord when thou art poor: and come not unto him with a double heart.
1:29 Be not an hypocrite
in the sight of men, and take good heed what thou speakest.
1:30 Exalt not thyself,
lest thou fall, and bring dishonour upon thy soul, and so God discover thy secrets,
and cast thee down in the midst of the congregation, because thou camest not
in truth to the fear of the Lord, but thy heart is full of deceit.
chapter 2
2:1 My son, if thou come
to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for temptation.
2:2 Set thy heart aright,
and constantly endure, and make not haste in time of trouble.
2:3 Cleave unto him, and
depart not away, that thou mayest be increased at thy last end.
2:4 Whatsoever is brought
upon thee take cheerfully, and be patient when thou art changed to a low estate.
2:5 For gold is tried
in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of adversity.
2:6 Believe in him, and
he will help thee; order thy way aright, and trust in him.
2:7 Ye that fear the Lord,
wait for his mercy; and go not aside, lest ye fall.
2:8 Ye that fear the Lord,
believe him; and your reward shall not fail.
2:9 Ye that fear the Lord,
hope for good, and for everlasting joy and mercy.
2:10 Look at the generations
of old, and see; did ever any trust in the Lord, and was confounded? or did
any abide in his fear, and was forsaken? or whom did he ever despise, that called
upon him?
2:11 For the Lord is
full of compassion and mercy, longsuffering, and very pitiful, and forgiveth
sins, and saveth in time of affliction.
2:12 Woe be to fearful
hearts, and faint hands, and the sinner that goeth two ways!
2:13 Woe unto him that
is fainthearted! for he believeth not; therefore shall he not be defended.
2:14 Woe unto you that
have lost patience! and what will ye do when the Lord shall visit you?
2:15 They that fear the
Lord will not disobey his Word; and they that love him will keep his ways.
2:16 They that fear the
Lord will seek that which is well, pleasing unto him; and they that love him
shall be filled with the law.
2:17 They that fear the
Lord will prepare their hearts, and humble their souls in his sight,
2:18 Saying, We will
fall into the hands of the Lord, and not into the hands of men: for as his majesty
is, so is his mercy.
chapter 3
3:1 Hear me your father,
O children, and do thereafter, that ye may be safe.
3:2 For the Lord hath
given the father honour over the children, and hath confirmed the authority
of the mother over the sons.
3:3 Whoso honoureth his
father maketh an atonement for his sins:
3:4 And he that honoureth
his mother is as one that layeth up treasure.
3:5 Whoso honoureth his
father shall have joy of his own children; and when he maketh his prayer, he
shall be heard.
3:6 He that honoureth
his father shall have a long life; and he that is obedient unto the Lord shall
be a comfort to his mother.
3:7 He that feareth the
Lord will honour his father, and will do service unto his parents, as to his
masters.
3:8 Honour thy father
and mother both in word and deed, that a blessing may come upon thee from them.
3:9 For the blessing of
the father establisheth the houses of children; but the curse of the mother
rooteth out foundations.
3:10 Glory not in the
dishonour of thy father; for thy father's dishonour is no glory unto thee.
3:11 For the glory of
a man is from the honour of his father; and a mother in dishonour is a reproach
to the children.
3:12 My son, help thy
father in his age, and grieve him not as long as he liveth.
3:13 And if his understanding
fail, have patience with him; and despise him not when thou art in thy full
strength.
3:14 For the relieving
of thy father shall not be forgotten: and instead of sins it shall be added
to build thee up.
3:15 In the day of thine
affliction it shall be remembered; thy sins also shall melt away, as the ice
in the fair warm weather.
3:16 He that forsaketh
his father is as a blasphemer; and he that angereth his mother is cursed: of
God.
3:17 My son, go on with
thy business in meekness; so shalt thou be beloved of him that is approved.
3:18 The greater thou
art, the more humble thyself, and thou shalt find favour before the Lord.
3:19 Many are in high
place, and of renown: but mysteries are revealed unto the meek.
3:20 For the power of
the Lord is great, and he is honoured of the lowly.
3:21 Seek not out things
that are too hard for thee, neither search the things that are above thy strength.
3:22 But what is commanded
thee, think thereupon with reverence, for it is not needful for thee to see
with thine eyes the things that are in secret.
3:23 Be not curious in
unnecessary matters: for more things are shewed unto thee than men understand.
3:24 For many are deceived
by their own vain opinion; and an evil suspicion hath overthrown their judgment.
3:25 Without eyes thou
shalt want light: profess not the knowledge therefore that thou hast not.
3:26 A stubborn heart
shall fare evil at the last; and he that loveth danger shall perish therein.
3:27 An obstinate heart
shall be laden with sorrows; and the wicked man shall heap sin upon sin.
3:28 In the punishment
of the proud there is no remedy; for the plant of wickedness hath taken root
in him.
3:29 The heart of the
prudent will understand a parable; and an attentive ear is the desire of a wise
man.
3:30 Water will quench
a flaming fire; and alms maketh an atonement for sins.
3:31 And he that requiteth
good turns is mindful of that which may come hereafter; and when he falleth,
he shall find a stay.
chapter 4
4:1 My son, defraud not
the poor of his living, and make not the needy eyes to wait long.
4:2 Make not an hungry
soul sorrowful; neither provoke a man in his distress.
4:3 Add not more trouble
to an heart that is vexed; and defer not to give to him that is in need.
4:4 Reject not the supplication
of the afflicted; neither turn away thy face from a poor man.
4:5 Turn not away thine
eye from the needy, and give him none occasion to curse thee:
4:6 For if he curse thee
in the bitterness of his soul, his prayer shall be heard of him that made him.
4:7 Get thyself the love
of the congregation, and bow thy head to a great man.
4:8 Let it not grieve
thee to bow down thine ear to the poor, and give him a friendly answer with
meekness.
4:9 Deliver him that suffereth
wrong from the hand of the oppressor; and be not fainthearted when thou sittest
in judgment.
4:10 Be as a father unto
the fatherless, and instead of an husband unto their mother: so shalt thou be
as the son of the most High, and he shall love thee more than thy mother doth.
4:11 Wisdom exalteth
her children, and layeth hold of them that seek her.
4:12 He that loveth her
loveth life; and they that seek to her early shall be filled with joy.
4:13 He that holdeth
her fast shall inherit glory; and wheresoever she entereth, the Lord will bless.
4:14 They that serve
her shall minister to the Holy One: and them that love her the Lord doth love.
4:15 Whoso giveth ear
unto her shall judge the nations: and he that attendeth unto her shall dwell
securely.
4:16 If a man commit
himself unto her, he shall inherit her; and his generation shall hold her in
possession.
4:17 For at the first
she will walk with him by crooked ways, and bring fear and dread upon him, and
torment him with her discipline, until she may trust his soul, and try him by
her laws.
4:18 Then will she return
the straight way unto him, and comfort him, and shew him her secrets.
4:19 But if he go wrong,
she will forsake him, and give him over to his own ruin.
4:20 Observe the opportunity,
and beware of evil; and be not ashamed when it concerneth thy soul.
4:21 For there is a shame
that bringeth sin; and there is a shame which is glory and grace.
4:22 Accept no person
against thy soul, and let not the reverence of any man cause thee to fall.
4:23 And refrain not
to speak, when there is occasion to do good, and hide not thy wisdom in her
beauty.
4:24 For by speech wisdom
shall be known: and learning by the word of the tongue.
4:25 In no wise speak
against the truth; but be abashed of the error of thine ignorance.
4:26 Be not ashamed to
confess thy sins; and force not the course of the river.
4:27 Make not thyself
an underling to a foolish man; neither accept the person of the mighty.
4:28 Strive for the truth
unto death, and the Lord shall fight for thee.
4:29 Be not hasty in
thy tongue, and in thy deeds slack and remiss.
4:30 Be not as a lion
in thy house, nor frantick among thy servants.
4:31 Let not thine hand
be stretched out to receive, and shut when thou shouldest repay.
chapter 5
5:1 Set thy heart upon thy
goods; and say not, I have enough for my life.
5:2 Follow not thine own
mind and thy strength, to walk in the ways of thy heart:
5:3 And say not, Who shall
controul me for my works? for the Lord will surely revenge thy pride.
5:4 Say not, I have sinned,
and what harm hath happened unto me? for the Lord is longsuffering, he will
in no wise let thee go.
5:5 Concerning propitiation,
be not without fear to add sin unto sin:
5:6 And say not His mercy
is great; he will be pacified for the multitude of my sins: for mercy and wrath
come from him, and his indignation resteth upon sinners.
5:7 Make no tarrying to
turn to the Lord, and put not off from day to day: for suddenly shall the wrath
of the Lord come forth, and in thy security thou shalt be destroyed, and perish
in the day of vengeance.
5:8 Set not thine heart
upon goods unjustly gotten, for they shall not profit thee in the day of calamity.
5:9 Winnow not with every
wind, and go not into every way: for so doth the sinner that hath a double tongue.
5:10 Be stedfast in thy
understanding; and let thy word be the same.
5:11 Be swift to hear;
and let thy life be sincere; and with patience give answer.
5:12 If thou hast understanding,
answer thy neighbour; if not, lay thy hand upon thy mouth.
5:13 Honour and shame
is in talk: and the tongue of man is his fall.
5:14 Be not called a
whisperer, and lie not in wait with thy tongue: for a foul shame is upon the
thief, and an evil condemnation upon the double tongue.
5:15 Be not ignorant
of any thing in a great matter or a small.
chapter 6
6:1 Instead of a friend
become not an enemy; for [thereby] thou shalt inherit an ill name, shame, and
reproach: even so shall a sinner that hath a double tongue.
6:2 Extol not thyself
in the counsel of thine own heart; that thy soul be not torn in pieces as a
bull [straying alone.]
6:3 Thou shalt eat up
thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave thyself as a dry tree.
6:4 A wicked soul shall
destroy him that hath it, and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.
6:5 Sweet language will
multiply friends: and a fairspeaking tongue will increase kind greetings.
6:6 Be in peace with many:
nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand.
6:7 If thou wouldest get
a friend, prove him first and be not hasty to credit him.
6:8 For some man is a
friend for his own occasion, and will not abide in the day of thy trouble.
6:9 And there is a friend,
who being turned to enmity, and strife will discover thy reproach.
6:10 Again, some friend
is a companion at the table, and will not continue in the day of thy affliction.
6:11 But in thy prosperity
he will be as thyself, and will be bold over thy servants.
6:12 If thou be brought
low, he will be against thee, and will hide himself from thy face.
6:13 Separate thyself
from thine enemies, and take heed of thy friends.
6:14 A faithfull friend
is a strong defence: and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure.
6:15 Nothing doth countervail
a faithful friend, and his excellency is invaluable.
6:16 A faithful friend
is the medicine of life; and they that fear the Lord shall find him.
6:17 Whoso feareth the
Lord shall direct his friendship aright: for as he is, so shall his neighbour
be also.
6:18 My son, gather instruction
from thy youth up: so shalt thou find wisdom till thine old age.
6:19 Come unto her as
one that ploweth and soweth, and wait for her good fruits: for thou shalt not
toil much in labouring about her, but thou shalt eat of her fruits right soon.
6:20 She is very unpleasant
to the unlearned: he that is without understanding will not remain with her.
6:21 She will lie upon
him as a mighty stone of trial; and he will cast her from him ere it be long.
6:22 For wisdom is according
to her name, and she is not manifest unto many.
6:23 Give ear, my son,
receive my advice, and refuse not my counsel,
6:24 And put thy feet
into her fetters, and thy neck into her chain.
6:25 Bow down thy shoulder,
and bear her, and be not grieved with her bonds.
6:26 Come unto her with
thy whole heart, and keep her ways with all thy power.
6:27 Search, and seek,
and she shall be made known unto thee: and when thou hast got hold of her, let
her not go.
6:28 For at the last
thou shalt find her rest, and that shall be turned to thy joy.
6:29 Then shall her fetters
be a strong defence for thee, and her chains a robe of glory.
6:30 For there is a golden
ornament upon her, and her bands are purple lace.
6:31 Thou shalt put her
on as a robe of honour, and shalt put her about thee as a crown of joy.
6:32 My son, if thou
wilt, thou shalt be taught: and if thou wilt apply thy mind, thou shalt be prudent.
6:33 If thou love to
hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt
be wise,
6:34 Stand in the multitude
of the elders; and cleave unto him that is wise.
6:35 Be willing to hear
every godly discourse; and let not the parables of understanding escape thee.
6:36 And if thou seest
a man of understanding, get thee betimes unto him, and let thy foot wear the
steps of his door.
6:37 Let thy mind be
upon the ordinances of the Lord and meditate continually in his commandments:
he shall establish thine heart, and give thee wisdom at thine owns desire.
chapter 7
7:1 Do no evil, so shall
no harm come unto thee.
7:2 Depart from the unjust,
and iniquity shall turn away from thee.
7:3 My son, sow not upon
the furrows of unrighteousness, and thou shalt not reap them sevenfold.
7:4 Seek not of the Lord
preeminence, neither of the king the seat of honour.
7:5 justify not thyself
before the Lord; and boast not of thy wisdom before the king.
7:6 Seek not to be judge,
being not able to take away iniquity; lest at any time thou fear the person
of the mighty, an stumblingblock in the way of thy uprightness.
7:7 Offend not against
the multitude of a city, and then thou shalt not cast thyself down among the
people.
7:8 Bind not one sin upon
another; for in one thou shalt not be unpunished.
7:9 Say not, God will
look upon the multitude of my oblations, and when I offer to the most high God,
he will accept it.
7:10 Be not fainthearted
when thou makest thy prayer, and neglect not to give alms.
7:11 Laugh no man to
scorn in the bitterness of his soul: for there is one which humbleth and exalteth.
7:12 Devise not a lie
against thy brother; neither do the like to thy friend.
7:13 Use not to make
any manner of lie: for the custom thereof is not good.
7:14 Use not many words
in a multitude of elders, and make not much babbling when thou prayest.
7:15 Hate not laborious
work, neither husbandry, which the most High hath ordained.
7:16 Number not thyself
among the multitude of sinners, but remember that wrath will not tarry long.
7:17 Humble thyself greatly:
for the vengeance of the ungodly is fire and worms.
7:18 Change not a friend
for any good by no means; neither a faithful brother for the gold of Ophir.
7:19 Forego not a wise
and good woman: for her grace is above gold.
7:20 Whereas thy servant
worketh truly, entreat him not evil. nor the hireling that bestoweth himself
wholly for thee.
7:21 Let thy soul love
a good servant, and defraud him not of liberty.
7:22 Hast thou cattle?
have an eye to them: and if they be for thy profit, keep them with thee.
7:23 Hast thou children?
instruct them, and bow down their neck from their youth.
7:24 Hast thou daughters?
have a care of their body, and shew not thyself cheerful toward them.
7:25 Marry thy daughter,
and so shalt thou have performed a weighty matter: but give her to a man of
understanding.
7:26 Hast thou a wife
after thy mind? forsake her not: but give not thyself over to a light woman.
7:27 Honour thy father
with thy whole heart, and forget not the sorrows of thy mother.
7:28 Remember that thou
wast begotten of them; and how canst thou recompense them the things that they
have done for thee?
7:29 Fear the Lord with
all thy soul, and reverence his priests.
7:30 Love him that made
thee with all thy strength, and forsake not his ministers.
7:31 Fear the Lord, and
honor the priest; and give him his portion, as it is commanded thee; the firstfruits,
and the trespass offering, and the gift of the shoulders, and the sacrifice
of sanctification, and the firstfruits of the holy things.
7:32 And stretch thine
hand unto the poor, that thy blessing may be perfected.
7:33 A gift hath grace
in the sight of every man living; and for the dead detain it not.
7:34 Fail not to be with
them that weep, and mourn with them that mourn.
7:35 Be not slow to visit
the sick: for that shall make thee to be beloved.
7:36 Whatsoever thou
takest in hand, remember the end, and thou shalt never do amiss.
chapter 8
8:1 Strive not with a mighty
man' lest thou fall into his hands.
8:2 Be not at variance
with a rich man, lest he overweigh thee: for gold hath destroyed many, and perverted
the hearts of kings.
8:3 Strive not with a
man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire.
8:4 Jest not with a rude
man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced.
8:5 Reproach not a man
that turneth from sin, but remember that we are all worthy of punishment.
8:6 Dishonour not a man
in his old age: for even some of us wax old.
8:7 Rejoice not over thy
greatest enemy being dead, but remember that we die all.
8:8 Despise not the discourse
of the wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs: for of them thou shalt
learn instruction, and how to serve great men with ease.
8:9 Miss not the discourse
of the elders: for they also learned of their fathers, and of them thou shalt
learn understanding, and to give answer as need requireth.
8:10 Kindle not the coals
of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the flame of his fire.
8:11 Rise not up [in
anger] at the presence of an injurious person, lest he lie in wait to entrap
thee in thy words
8:12 Lend not unto him
that is mightier than thyself; for if thou lendest him, count it but lost.
8:13 Be not surety above
thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay it.
8:14 Go not to law with
a judge; for they will judge for him according to his honour.
8:15 Travel not by the
way with a bold fellow, lest he become grievous unto thee: for he will do according
to his own will, and thou shalt perish with him through his folly.
8:16 Strive not with
an angry man, and go not with him into a solitary place: for blood is as nothing
in his sight, and where there is no help, he will overthrow thee.
8:17 Consult not with
a fool; for he cannot keep counsel.
8:18 Do no secret thing
before a stranger; for thou knowest not what he will bring forth.
8:19 Open not thine heart
to every man, lest he requite thee with a shrewd turn.
chapter 9
9:1 Be not jealous over
the wife of thy bosom, and teach her not an evil lesson against thyself.
9:2 Give not thy soul
unto a woman to set her foot upon thy substance.
9:3 Meet not with an harlot,
lest thou fall into her snares.
9:4 Use not much the company
of a woman that is a singer, lest thou be taken with her attempts.
9:5 Gaze not on a maid,
that thou fall not by those things that are precious in her.
9:6 Give not thy soul
unto harlots, that thou lose not thine inheritance.
9:7 Look not round about
thee in the streets of the city, neither wander thou in the solitary place thereof.
9:8 Turn away thine eye
from a beautiful woman, and look not upon another's beauty; for many have been
deceived by the beauty of a woman; for herewith love is kindled as a fire.
9:9 Sit not at all with
another man's wife, nor sit down with her in thine arms, and spend not thy money
with her at the wine; lest thine heart incline unto her, and so through thy
desire thou fall into destruction.
9:10 Forsake not an old
friend; for the new is not comparable to him: a new friend is as new wine; when
it is old, thou shalt drink it with pleasure.
9:11 Envy not the glory
of a sinner: for thou knowest not what shall be his end.
9:12 Delight not in the
thing that the ungodly have pleasure in; but remember they shall not go unpunished
unto their grave.
9:13 Keep thee far from
the man that hath power to kill; so shalt thou not doubt the fear of death:
and if thou come unto him, make no fault, lest he take away thy life presently:
remember that thou goest in the midst of snares, and that thou walkest upon
the battlements of the city.
9:14 As near as thou
canst, guess at thy neighbour, and consult with the wise.
9:15 Let thy talk be
with the wise, and all thy communication in the law of the most High.
9:16 And let just men
eat and drink with thee; and let thy glorying be in the fear of the Lord.
9:17 For the hand of
the artificer the work shall be commended: and the wise ruler of the people
for his speech.
9:18 A man of an ill
tongue is dangerous in his city; and he that is rash in his talk shall be hated.
chapter 10
10:1 A wise judge will
instruct his people; and the government of a prudent man is well ordered.
10:2 As the judge of
the people is himself, so are his officers; and what manner of man the ruler
of the city is, such are all they that dwell therein.
10:3 An unwise king destroyeth
his people; but through the prudence of them which are in authority the city
shall be inhabited.
10:4 The power of the
earth is in the hand of the Lord, and in due time he will set over it one that
is profitable.
10:5 In the hand of God
is the prosperity of man: and upon the person of the scribe shall he lay his
honour.
10:6 Bear not hatred
to thy neighbour for every wrong; and do nothing at all by injurious practices.
10:7 Pride is hateful
before God and man: and by both doth one commit iniquity.
10:8 Because of unrighteous
dealings, injuries, and riches got by deceit, the kingdom is translated from
one people to another.
10:9 Why is earth and
ashes proud? There is not a more wicked thing than a covetous man: for such
an one setteth his own soul to sale; because while he liveth he casteth away
his bowels.
10:10 The physician
cutteth off a long disease; and he that is to day a king to morrow shall die.
10:11 For when a man
is dead, he shall inherit creeping things, beasts, and worms.
10:12 The beginning
of pride is when one departeth from God, and his heart is turned away from his
Maker.
10:13 For pride is the
beginning of sin, and he that hath it shall pour out abomination: and therefore
the Lord brought upon them strange calamities, and overthrew them utterly.
10:14 The Lord hath
cast down the thrones of proud princes, and set up the meek in their stead.
10:15 The Lord hath
plucked up the roots of the proud nations, and planted the lowly in their place.
10:16 The Lord overthrew
countries of the heathen, and destroyed them to the foundations of the earth.
10:17 He took some of
them away, and destroyed them, and hath made their memorial to cease from the
earth.
10:18 Pride was not
made for men, nor furious anger for them that are born of a woman.
10:19 They that fear
the Lord are a sure seed, and they that love him an honourable plant: they that
regard not the law are a dishonourable seed; they that transgress the commandments
are a deceivable seed.
10:20 Among brethren
he that is chief is honorable; so are they that fear the Lord in his eyes.
10:21 The fear of the
Lord goeth before the obtaining of authority: but roughness and pride is the
losing thereof.
10:22 Whether he be
rich, noble, or poor, their glory is the fear of the Lord.
10:23 It is not meet
to despise the poor man that hath understanding; neither is it convenient to
magnify a sinful man.
10:24 Great men, and
judges, and potentates, shall be honoured; yet is there none of them greater
than he that feareth the Lord.
10:25 Unto the servant
that is wise shall they that are free do service: and he that hath knowledge
will not grudge when he is reformed.
10:26 Be not overwise
in doing thy business; and boast not thyself in the time of thy distress.
10:27 Better is he that
laboureth, and aboundeth in all things, than he that boasteth himself, and wanteth
bread.
10:28 My son, glorify
thy soul in meekness, and give it honour according to the dignity thereof.
10:29 Who will justify
him that sinneth against his own soul? and who will honour him that dishonoureth
his own life?
10:30 The poor man is
honoured for his skill, and the rich man is honoured for his riches.
10:31 He that is honoured
in poverty, how much more in riches? and he that is dishonourable in riches,
how much more in poverty?
chapter 11
11:1 Wisdom lifteth up
the head of him that is of low degree, and maketh him to sit among great men.
11:2 Commend not a man
for his beauty; neither abhor a man for his outward appearance.
11:3 The bee is little
among such as fly; but her fruit is the chief of sweet things.
11:4 Boast not of thy
clothing and raiment, and exalt not thyself in the day of honour: for the works
of the Lord are wonderful, and his works among men are hidden.
11:5 Many kings have
sat down upon the ground; and one that was never thought of hath worn the crown.
11:6 Many mighty men
have been greatly disgraced; and the honourable delivered into other men's hands.
11:7 Blame not before
thou hast examined the truth: understand first, and then rebuke.
11:8 Answer not before
thou hast heard the cause: neither interrupt men in the midst of their talk.
11:9 Strive not in a
matter that concerneth thee not; and sit not in judgment with sinners.
11:10 My son, meddle
not with many matters: for if thou meddle much, thou shalt not be innocent;
and if thou follow after, thou shalt not obtain, neither shalt thou escape by
fleeing.
11:11 There is one that
laboureth, and taketh pains, and maketh haste, and is so much the more behind.
11:12 Again, there is
another that is slow, and hath need of help, wanting ability, and full of poverty;
yet the eye of the Lord looked upon him for good, and set him up from his low
estate,
11:13 And lifted up
his head from misery; so that many that saw from him is peace over all the
11:14 Prosperity and
adversity, life and death, poverty and riches, come of the Lord.
11:15 Wisdom, knowledge,
and understanding of the law, are of the Lord: love, and the way of good works,
are from him.
11:16 Error and darkness
had their beginning together with sinners: and evil shall wax old with them
that glory therein.
11:17 The gift of the
Lord remaineth with the ungodly, and his favour bringeth prosperity for ever.
11:18 There is that
waxeth rich by his wariness and pinching, and this his the portion of his reward:
11:19 Whereas he saith,
I have found rest, and now will eat continually of my goods; and yet he knoweth
not what time shall come upon him, and that he must leave those things to others,
and die.
11:20 Be stedfast in
thy covenant, and be conversant therein, and wax old in thy work.
11:21 Marvel not at
the works of sinners; but trust in the Lord, and abide in thy labour: for it
is an easy thing in the sight of the Lord on the sudden to make a poor man rich.
11:22 The blessing of
the Lord is in the reward of the godly, and suddenly he maketh his blessing
flourish.
11:23 Say not, What
profit is there of my service? and what good things shall I have hereafter?
11:24 Again, say not,
I have enough, and possess many things, and what evil shall I have hereafter?
11:25 In the day of
prosperity there is a forgetfulness of affliction: and in the day of affliction
there is no more remembrance of prosperity.
11:26 For it is an easy
thing unto the Lord in the day of death to reward a man according to his ways.
11:27 The affliction
of an hour maketh a man forget pleasure: and in his end his deeds shall be discovered.
11:28 Judge none blessed
before his death: for a man shall be known in his children.
11:29 Bring not every
man into thine house: for the deceitful man hath many trains.
11:30 Like as a partridge
taken [and kept] in a cage, so is the heart of the proud; and like as a spy,
watcheth he for thy fall:
11:31 For he lieth in
wait, and turneth good into evil, and in things worthy praise will lay blame
upon thee.
11:32 Of a spark of
fire a heap of coals is kindled: and a sinful man layeth wait for blood.
11:33 Take heed of a
mischievous man, for he worketh wickedness; lest he bring upon thee a perpetual
blot.
11:34 Receive a stranger
into thine house, and he will disturb thee, and turn thee out of thine own.
chapter 12
12:1 When thou wilt do
good know to whom thou doest it; so shalt thou be thanked for thy benefits.
12:2 Do good to the godly
man, and thou shalt find a recompence; and if not from him, yet from the most
High.
12:3 There can no good
come to him that is always occupied in evil, nor to him that giveth no alms.
12:4 Give to the godly
man, and help not a sinner.
12:5 Do well unto him
that is lowly, but give not to the ungodly: hold back thy bread, and give it
not unto him, lest he overmaster thee thereby: for [else] thou shalt receive
twice as much evil for all the good thou shalt have done unto him.
12:6 For the most High
hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance unto the ungodly, and keepeth them
against the mighty day of their punishment.
12:7 Give unto the good,
and help not the sinner.
12:8 A friend cannot
be known in prosperity: and an enemy cannot be hidden in adversity.
12:9 In the prosperity
of a man enemies will be grieved: but in his adversity even a friend will depart.
12:10 Never trust thine
enemy: for like as iron rusteth, so is his wickedness.
12:11 Though he humble
himself, and go crouching, yet take good heed and beware of him, and thou shalt
be unto him as if thou hadst wiped a lookingglass, and thou shalt know that
his rust hath not been altogether wiped away.
12:12 Set him not by
thee, lest, when he hath overthrown thee, he stand up in thy place; neither
let him sit at thy right hand, lest he seek to take thy seat, and thou at the
last remember my words, and be pricked therewith.
12:13 Who will pity
a charmer that is bitten with a serpent, or any such as come nigh wild beasts?
12:14 So one that goeth
to a sinner, and is defiled with him in his sins, who will pity?
12:15 For a while he
will abide with thee, but if thou begin to fall, he will not tarry.
12:16 An enemy speaketh
sweetly with his lips, but in his heart he imagineth how to throw thee into
a pit: he will weep with his eyes, but if he find opportunity, he will not be
satisfied with blood.
12:17 If adversity come
upon thee, thou shalt find him there first; and though he pretend to help thee,
yet shall he undermine thee.
12:18 He will shake
his head, and clap his hands, and whisper much, and change his countenance.
chapter 13
13:1 He that toucheth pitch
shall be defiled therewith; and he that hath fellowship with a proud man shall
be like unto him.
13:2 Burden not thyself
above thy power while thou livest; and have no fellowship with one that is mightier
and richer than thyself: for how agree the kettle and the earthen pot together?
for if the one be smitten against the other, it shall be broken.
13:3 The rich man hath
done wrong, and yet he threateneth withal: the poor is wronged, and he must
intreat also.
13:4 If thou be for his
profit, he will use thee: but if thou have nothing, he will forsake thee.
13:5 If thou have any
thing, he will live with thee: yea, he will make thee bare, and will not be
sorry for it.
13:6 If he have need
of thee, he will deceive thee, and smile upon thee, and put thee in hope; he
will speak thee fair, and say, What wantest thou?
13:7 And he will shame
thee by his meats, until he have drawn thee dry twice or thrice, and at the
last he will laugh thee to scorn afterward, when he seeth thee, he will forsake
thee, and shake his head at thee.
13:8 Beware that thou
be not deceived and brought down in thy jollity.
13:9 If thou be invited
of a mighty man, withdraw thyself, and so much the more will he invite thee.
13:10 Press thou not
upon him, lest thou be put back; stand not far off, lest thou be forgotten.
13:11 Affect not to
be made equal unto him in talk, and believe not his many words: for with much
communication will he tempt thee, and smiling upon thee will get out thy secrets:
13:12 But cruelly he
will lay up thy words, and will not spare to do thee hurt, and to put thee in
prison.
13:13 Observe, and take
good heed, for thou walkest in peril of thy overthrowing: when thou hearest
these things, awake in thy sleep.
13:14 Love the Lord
all thy life, and call upon him for thy salvation.
13:15 Every beast loveth
his like, and every man loveth his neighbor.
13:16 All flesh consorteth
according to kind, and a man will cleave to his like.
13:17 What fellowship
hath the wolf with the lamb? so the sinner with the godly.
13:18 What agreement
is there between the hyena and a dog? and what peace between the rich and the
poor?
13:19 As the wild ass
is the lion's prey in the wilderness: so the rich eat up the poor.
13:20 As the proud hate
humility: so doth the rich abhor the poor.
13:21 A rich man beginning
to fall is held up of his friends: but a poor man being down is thrust away
by his friends.
13:22 When a rich man
is fallen, he hath many helpers: he speaketh things not to be spoken, and yet
men justify him: the poor man slipped, and yet they rebuked him too; he spake
wisely, and could have no place.
13:23 When a rich man
speaketh, every man holdeth his tongue, and, look, what he saith, they extol
it to the clouds: but if the poor man speak, they say, What fellow is this?
and if he stumble, they will help to overthrow him.
13:24 Riches are good
unto him that hath no sin, and poverty is evil in the mouth of the ungodly.
13:25 The heart of a
man changeth his countenance, whether it be for good or evil: and a merry heart
maketh a cheerful countenance.
13:26 A cheerful countenance
is a token of a heart that is in prosperity; and the finding out of parables
is a wearisome labour of the mind.
chapter 14
14:1 Blessed is the man
that hath not slipped with his mouth, and is not pricked with the multitude
of sins.
14:2 Blessed is he whose
conscience hath not condemned him, and who is not fallen from his hope in the
Lord.
14:3 Riches are not comely
for a niggard: and what should an envious man do with money?
14:4 He that gathereth
by defrauding his own soul gathereth for others, that shall spend his goods
riotously.
14:5 He that is evil
to himself, to whom will he be good? he shall not take pleasure in his goods.
14:6 There is none worse
than he that envieth himself; and this is a recompence of his wickedness.
14:7 And if he doeth
good, he doeth it unwillingly; and at the last he will declare his wickedness.
14:8 The envious man
hath a wicked eye; he turneth away his face, and despiseth men.
14:9 A covetous man's
eye is not satisfied with his portion; and the iniquity of the wicked drieth
up his soul.
14:10 A wicked eye envieth
[his] bread, and he is a niggard at his table.
14:11 My son, according
to thy ability do good to thyself, and give the Lord his due offering.
14:12 Remember that
death will not be long in coming, and that the covenant of the grave is not
shewed unto thee.
14:13 Do good unto thy
friend before thou die, and according to thy ability stretch out thy hand and
give to him.
14:14 Defraud not thyself
of the good day, and let not the part of a good desire overpass thee.
14:15 Shalt thou not
leave thy travails unto another? and thy labours to be divided by lot?
14:16 Give, and take,
and sanctify thy soul; for there is no seeking of dainties in the grave.
14:17 All flesh waxeth
old as a garment: for the covenant from the beginning is, Thou shalt die the
death.
14:18 As of the green
leaves on a thick tree, some fall, and some grow; so is the generation of flesh
and blood, one cometh to an end, and another is born.
14:19 Every work rotteth
and consumeth away, and the worker thereof shall go withal.
14:20 Blessed is the
man that doth meditate good things in wisdom, and that reasoneth of holy things
by his understanding. ing.
14:21 He that considereth
her ways in his heart shall also have understanding in her secrets.
14:22 Go after her as
one that traceth, and lie in wait in her ways.
14:23 He that prieth
in at her windows shall also hearken at her doors.
14:24 He that doth lodge
near her house shall also fasten a pin in her walls.
14:25 He shall pitch
his tent nigh unto her, and shall lodge in a lodging where good things are.
14:26 He shall set his
children under her shelter, and shall lodge under her branches.
14:27 By her he shall
be covered from heat, and in her glory shall he dwell.
chapter 15
15:1 He that feareth the
Lord will do good, and he that hath the knowledge of the law shall obtain her.
15:2 And as a mother
shall she meet him, and receive him as a wife married of a virgin.
15:3 With the bread of
understanding shall she feed him, and give him the water of wisdom to drink.
15:4 He shall be stayed
upon her, and shall not be moved; and shall rely upon her, and shall not be
confounded.
15:5 She shall exalt
him above his neighbours, and in the midst of the congregation shall she open
his mouth.
15:6 He shall find joy
and a crown of gladness, and she shall cause him to inherit an everlasting name.
15:7 But foolish men
shall not attain unto her, and sinners shall not see her.
15:8 For she is far from
pride, and men that are liars cannot remember her.
15:9 Praise is not seemly
in the mouth of a sinner, for it was not sent him of the Lord.
15:10 For praise shall
be uttered in wisdom, and the Lord will prosper it.
15:11 Say not thou,
It is through the Lord that I fell away: for thou oughtest not to do the things
that he hateth.
15:12 Say not thou,
He hath caused me to err: for he hath no need of the sinful man.
15:13 The Lord hateth
all abomination; and they that fear God love it not.
15:14 He himself made
man from the beginning, and left him in the hand of his counsel;
15:15 If thou wilt,
to keep the commandments, and to perform acceptable faithfulness.
15:16 He hath set fire
and water before thee: stretch forth thy hand unto whether thou wilt.
15:17 Before man is
life and death; and whether him liketh shall be given him.
15:18 For the wisdom
of the Lord is great, and he is mighty in power, and beholdeth all things:
15:19 And his eyes are
upon them that fear him, and he knoweth every work of man.
15:20 He hath commanded
no man to do wickedly, neither hath he given any man licence to sin.
chapter 16
16:1 Desire not a multitude
of unprofitable children, neither delight in ungodly sons.
16:2 Though they multiply,
rejoice not in them, except the fear of the Lord be with them.
16:3 Trust not thou in
their life, neither respect their multitude: for one that is just is better
than a thousand; and better it is to die without children, than to have them
that are ungodly.
16:4 For by one that
hath understanding shall the city be replenished: but the kindred of the wicked
shall speedily become desolate.
16:5 Many such things
have I seen with mine eyes, and mine ear hath heard greater things than these.
16:6 In the congregation
of the ungodly shall a fire be kindled; and in a rebellious nation wrath is
set on fire.
16:7 He was not pacified
toward the old giants, who fell away in the strength of their foolishness.
16:8 Neither spared he
the place where Lot sojourned, but abhorred them for their pride.
16:9 He pitied not the
people of perdition, who were taken away in their sins:
16:10 Nor the six hundred
thousand footmen, who were gathered together in the hardness of their hearts.
16:11 And if there be
one stiffnecked among the people, it is marvel if he escape unpunished: for
mercy and wrath are with him; he is mighty to forgive, and to pour out displeasure.
16:12 As his mercy is
great, so is his correction also: he judgeth a man according to his works
16:13 The sinner shall
not escape with his spoils: and the patience of the godly shall not be frustrate.
16:14 Make way for every
work of mercy: for every man shall find according to his works.
16:15 The Lord hardened
Pharaoh, that he should not know him, that his powerful works might be known
to the world.
16:16 His mercy is manifest
to every creature; and he hath separated his light from the darkness with an
adamant.
16:17 Say not thou,
I will hide myself from the Lord: shall any remember me from above? I shall
not be remembered among so many people: for what is my soul among such an infinite
number of creatures?
16:18 Behold, the heaven,
and the heaven of heavens, the deep, and the earth, and all that therein is,
shall be moved when he shall visit.
16:19 The mountains
also and foundations of the earth be shaken with trembling, when the Lord looketh
upon them.
16:20 No heart can think
upon these things worthily: and who is able to conceive his ways?
16:21 It is a tempest
which no man can see: for the most part of his works are hid.
16:22 Who can declare
the works of his justice? or who can endure them? for his covenant is afar off,
and the trial of all things is in the end.
16:23 He that wanteth
understanding will think upon vain things: and a foolish man erring imagineth
follies.
16:24 by son, hearken
unto me, and learn knowledge, and mark my words with thy heart.
16:25 I will shew forth
doctrine in weight, and declare his knowledge exactly.
16:26 The works of the
Lord are done in judgment from the beginning: and from the time he made them
he disposed the parts thereof.
16:27 He garnished his
works for ever, and in his hand are the chief of them unto all generations:
they neither labour, nor are weary, nor cease from their works.
16:28 None of them hindereth
another, and they shall never disobey his word.
16:29 After this the
Lord looked upon the earth, and filled it with his blessings.
16:30 With all manner
of living things hath he covered the face thereof; and they shall return into
it again.
chapter 17
17:1 The Lord created man
of the earth, and turned him into it again.
17:2 He gave them few
days, and a short time, and power also over the things therein.
17:3 He endued them with
strength by themselves, and made them according to his image,
17:4 And put the fear
of man upon all flesh, and gave him dominion over beasts and fowls.
17:5 They received the
use of the five operations of the Lord, and in the sixth place he imparted them
understanding, and in the seventh speech, an interpreter of the cogitations
thereof.]
17:6 Counsel, and a tongue,
and eyes, ears, and a heart, gave he them to understand.
17:7 Withal he filled
them with the knowledge of understanding, and shewed them good and evil.
17:8 He set his eye upon
their hearts, that he might shew them the greatness of his works.
17:9 He gave them to
glory in his marvellous acts for ever, that they might declare his works with
understanding.
17:10 And the elect
shall praise his holy name.
17:11 Beside this he
gave them knowledge, and the law of life for an heritage.
17:12 He made an everlasting
covenant with them, and shewed them his judgments.
17:13 Their eyes saw
the majesty of his glory, and their ears heard his glorious voice.
17:14 And he said unto
them, Beware of all unrighteousness; and he gave every man commandment concerning
his neighbour.
17:15 Their ways are
ever before him, and shall not be hid from his eyes.
17:16 Every man from
his youth is given to evil; neither could they make to themselves fleshy hearts
for stony.
17:17 For in the division
of the nations of the whole earth he set a ruler over every people; but Israel
is the Lord's portion:
17:18 Whom, being his
firstborn, he nourisheth with discipline, and giving him the light of his love
doth not forsake him.
17:19 Therefore all
their works are as the sun before him, and his eyes are continually upon their
ways.
17:20 None of their
unrighteous deeds are hid from him, but all their sins are before the Lord
17:21 But the Lord being
gracious and knowing his workmanship, neither left nor forsook them, but spared
them.
17:22 The alms of a
man is as a signet with him, and he will keep the good deeds of man as the apple
of the eye, and give repentance to his sons and daughters.
17:23 Afterwards he
will rise up and reward them, and render their recompence upon their heads.
17:24 But unto them
that repent, he granted them return, and comforted those that failed in patience.
17:25 Return unto the
Lord, and forsake thy sins, make thy prayer before his face, and offend less.
17:26 Turn again to
the most High, and turn away from iniquity: for he will lead thee out of darkness
into the light of health, and hate thou abomination vehemently.
17:27 Who shall praise
the most High in the grave, instead of them which live and give thanks?
17:28 Thanksgiving perisheth
from the dead, as from one that is not: the living and sound in heart shall
praise the Lord.
17:29 How great is the
lovingkindness of the Lord our God, and his compassion unto such as turn unto
him in holiness!
17:30 For all things
cannot be in men, because the son of man is not immortal.
17:31 What is brighter
than the sun? yet the light thereof faileth; and flesh and blood will imagine
evil.
17:32 He vieweth the
power of the height of heaven; and all men are but earth and ashes.
chapter 18
18:1 He that liveth for
ever Hath created all things in general.
18:2 The Lord only is
righteous, and there is none other but he,
18:3 Who governeth the
world with the palm of his hand, and all things obey his will: for he is the
King of all, by his power dividing holy things among them from profane.
18:4 To whom hath he
given power to declare his works? and who shall find out his noble acts?
18:5 Who shall number
the strength of his majesty? and who shall also tell out his mercies?
18:6 As for the wondrous
works of the Lord, there may nothing be taken from them, neither may any thing
be put unto them, neither can the ground of them be found out.
18:7 When a man hath
done, then he beginneth; and when he leaveth off, then he shall be doubtful.
18:8 What is man, and
whereto serveth he? what is his good, and what is his evil?
18:9 The number of a
man's days at the most are an hundred years.
18:10 As a drop of water
unto the sea, and a gravelstone in comparison of the sand; so are a thousand
years to the days of eternity.
18:11 Therefore is God
patient with them, and poureth forth his mercy upon them.
18:12 He saw and perceived
their end to be evil; therefore he multiplied his compassion.
18:13 The mercy of man
is toward his neighbour; but the mercy of the Lord is upon all flesh: he reproveth,
and nurtureth, and teacheth and bringeth again, as a shepherd his flock.
18:14 He hath mercy
on them that receive discipline, and that diligently seek after his judgments.
18:15 My son, blemish
not thy good deeds, neither use uncomfortable words when thou givest any thing.
18:16 Shall not the
dew asswage the heat? so is a word better than a gift.
18:17 Lo, is not a word
better than a gift? but both are with a gracious man.
18:18 A fool will upbraid
churlishly, and a gift of the envious consumeth the eyes.
18:19 Learn before thou
speak, and use physick or ever thou be sick.
18:20 Before judgment
examine thyself, and in the day of visitation thou shalt find mercy.
18:21 Humble thyself
before thou be sick, and in the time of sins shew repentance.
18:22 Let nothing hinder
thee to pay thy vow in due time, and defer not until death to be justified.
18:23 Before thou prayest,
prepare thyself; and be not as one that tempteth the Lord.
18:24 Think upon the
wrath that shall be at the end, and the time of vengeance, when he shall turn
away his face.
18:25 When thou hast
enough, remember the time of hunger: and when thou art rich, think upon poverty
and need.
18:26 From the morning
until the evening the time is changed, and all things are soon done before the
Lord.
18:27 A wise man will
fear in every thing, and in the day of sinning he will beware of offence: but
a fool will not observe time.
18:28 Every man of understanding
knoweth wisdom, and will give praise unto him that found her.
18:29 They that were
of understanding in sayings became also wise themselves, and poured forth exquisite
parables.
18:30 Go not after thy
lusts, but refrain thyself from thine appetites.
18:31 If thou givest
thy soul the desires that please her, she will make thee a laughingstock to
thine enemies that malign thee.
18:32 Take not pleasure
in much good cheer, neither be tied to the expence thereof.
18:33 Be not made a
beggar by banqueting upon borrowing, when thou hast nothing in thy purse: for
thou shalt lie in wait for thine own life, and be talked on.
chapter 19
19:1 A labouring man that
A is given to drunkenness shall not be rich: and he that contemneth small things
shall fall by little and little.
19:2 Wine and women will
make men of understanding to fall away: and he that cleaveth to harlots will
become impudent.
19:3 Moths and worms
shall have him to heritage, and a bold man shall be taken away.
19:4 He that is hasty
to give credit is lightminded; and he that sinneth shall offend against his
own soul.
19:5 Whoso taketh pleasure
in wickedness shall be condemned: but he that resisteth pleasures crowneth his
life.
19:6 He that can rule
his tongue shall live without strife; and he that hateth babbling shall have
less evil.
19:7 Rehearse not unto
another that which is told unto thee, and thou shalt fare never the worse.
19:8 Whether it be to
friend or foe, talk not of other men's lives; and if thou canst without offence,
reveal them not.
19:9 For he heard and
observed thee, and when time cometh he will hate thee.
19:10 If thou hast heard
a word, let it die with thee; and be bold, it will not burst thee.
19:11 A fool travaileth
with a word, as a woman in labour of a child.
19:12 As an arrow that
sticketh in a man's thigh, so is a word within a fool's belly.
19:13 Admonish a friend,
it may be he hath not done it: and if he have done it, that he do it no more.
19:14 Admonish thy friend,
it may be he hath not said it: and if he have, that he speak it not again.
19:15 Admonish a friend:
for many times it is a slander, and believe not every tale.
19:16 There is one that
slippeth in his speech, but not from his heart; and who is he that hath not
offended with his tongue?
19:17 Admonish thy neighbour
before thou threaten him; and not being angry, give place to the law of the
most High.
19:18 The fear of the
Lord is the first step to be accepted [of him,] and wisdom obtaineth his love.
19:19 The knowledge
of the commandments of the Lord is the doctrine of life: and they that do things
that please him shall receive the fruit of the tree of immortality.
19:20 The fear of the
Lord is all wisdom; and in all wisdom is the performance of the law, and the
knowledge of his omnipotency.
19:21 If a servant say
to his master, I will not do as it pleaseth thee; though afterward he do it,
he angereth him that nourisheth him.
19:22 The knowledge
of wickedness is not wisdom, neither at any time the counsel of sinners prudence.
19:23 There is a wickedness,
and the same an abomination; and there is a fool wanting in wisdom.
19:24 He that hath small
understanding, and feareth God, is better than one that hath much wisdom, and
transgresseth the law of the most High.
19:25 There is an exquisite
subtilty, and the same is unjust; and there is one that turneth aside to make
judgment appear; and there is a wise man that justifieth in judgment.
19:26 There is a wicked
man that hangeth down his head sadly; but inwardly he is full of deceit,
19:27 Casting down his
countenance, and making as if he heard not: where he is not known, he will do
thee a mischief before thou be aware.
19:28 And if for want
of power he be hindered from sinning, yet when he findeth opportunity he will
do evil.
19:29 A man may be known
by his look, and one that hath understanding by his countenance, when thou meetest
him.
19:30 A man's attire,
and excessive laughter, and gait, shew what he is.
chapter 20
20:1 There is a reproof
that is not comely: again, some man holdeth his tongue, and he is wise.
20:2 It is much better
to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and he that confesseth his fault shall
be preserved from hurt.
20:3 How good is it,
when thou art reproved, to shew repentance! for so shalt thou escape wilful
sin.
20:4 As is the lust of
an eunuch to deflower a virgin; so is he that executeth judgment with violence.
20:5 There is one that
keepeth silence, and is found wise: and another by much babbling becometh hateful.
20:6 Some man holdeth
his tongue, because he hath not to answer: and some keepeth silence, knowing
his time.
20:7 A wise man will
hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but a babbler and a fool will regard
no time.
20:8 He that useth many
words shall be abhorred; and he that taketh to himself authority therein shall
be hated.
20:9 There is a sinner
that hath good success in evil things; and there is a gain that turneth to loss.
20:10 There is a gift
that shall not profit thee; and there is a gift whose recompence is double.
20:11 There is an abasement
because of glory; and there is that lifteth up his head from a low estate.
20:12 There is that
buyeth much for a little, and repayeth it sevenfold.
20:13 A wise man by
his words maketh him beloved: but the graces of fools shall be poured out.
20:14 The gift of a
fool shall do thee no good when thou hast it; neither yet of the envious for
his necessity: for he looketh to receive many things for one.
20:15 He giveth little,
and upbraideth much; he openeth his mouth like a crier; to day he lendeth, and
to morrow will he ask it again: such an one is to be hated of God and man.
20:16 The fool saith,
I have no friends, I have no thank for all my good deeds, and they that eat
my bread speak evil of me.
20:17 How oft, and of
how many shall he be laughed to scorn! for he knoweth not aright what it is
to have; and it is all one unto him as if he had it not.
20:18 To slip upon a
pavement is better than to slip with the tongue: so the fall of the wicked shall
come speedily.
20:19 An unseasonable
tale will always be in the mouth of the unwise.
20:20 A wise sentence
shall be rejected when it cometh out of a fool's mouth; for he will not speak
it in due season.
20:21 There is that
is hindered from sinning through want: and when he taketh rest, he shall not
be troubled.
20:22 There is that
destroyeth his own soul through bashfulness, and by accepting of persons overthroweth
himself.
20:23 There is that
for bashfulness promiseth to his friend, and maketh him his enemy for nothing.
20:24 A lie is a foul
blot in a man, yet it is continually in the mouth of the untaught.
20:25 A thief is better
than a man that is accustomed to lie: but they both shall have destruction to
heritage.
20:26 The disposition
of a liar is dishonourable, and his shame is ever with him.
20:27 A wise man shall
promote himself to honour with his words: and he that hath understanding will
please great men.
20:28 He that tilleth
his land shall increase his heap: and he that pleaseth great men shall get pardon
for iniquity.
20:29 Presents and gifts
blind the eyes of the wise, and stop up his mouth that he cannot reprove.
20:30 Wisdom that is
hid, and treasure that is hoarded up, what profit is in them both?
20:31 Better is he that
hideth his folly than a man that hideth his wisdom.
20:32 Necessary patience
in seeking ing the Lord is better than he that leadeth his life without a guide.
chapter 21
21:1 My son, hast thou
sinned? do so no more, but ask pardon for thy former sins.
21:2 Flee from sin as
from the face of a serpent: for if thou comest too near it, it will bite thee:
the teeth thereof are as the teeth of a lion, slaying the souls of men.
21:3 All iniquity is
as a two edged sword, the wounds whereof cannot be healed.
21:4 To terrify and do
wrong will waste riches: thus the house of proud men shall be made desolate.
21:5 A prayer out of
a poor man's mouth reacheth to the ears of God, and his judgment cometh speedily.
21:6 He that hateth to
be reproved is in the way of sinners: but he that feareth the Lord will repent
from his heart.
21:7 An eloquent man
is known far and near; but a man of understanding knoweth when he slippeth.
21:8 He that buildeth
his house with other men's money is like one that gathereth himself stones for
the tomb of his burial.
21:9 The congregation
of the wicked is like tow wrapped together: and the end of them is a flame of
fire to destroy them.
21:10 The way of sinners
is made plain with stones, but at the end thereof is the pit of hell.
21:11 He that keepeth
the law of the Lord getteth the understanding thereof: and the perfection of
the fear of the Lord is wisdom.
21:12 He that is not
wise will not be taught: but there is a wisdom which multiplieth bitterness.
21:13 The knowledge
of a wise man shall abound like a flood: and his counsel is like a pure fountain
of life.
21:14 The inner parts
of a fool are like a broken vessel, and he will hold no knowledge as long as
he liveth.
21:15 If a skilful man
hear a wise word, he will commend it, and add unto it: but as soon as one of
no understanding heareth it, it displeaseth him, and he casteth it behind his
back.
21:16 The talking of
a fool is like a burden in the way: but grace shall be found in the lips of
the wise.
21:17 They enquire at
the mouth of the wise man in the congregation, and they shall ponder his words
in their heart.
21:18 As is a house
that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool: and the knowledge of the unwise is
as talk without sense.
21:19 Doctrine unto
fools is as fetters on the feet, and like manacles on the right hand.
21:20 A fool lifteth
up his voice with laughter; but a wise man doth scarce smile a little.
21:21 Learning is unto
a wise man as an ornament of gold, and like a bracelet upon his right arm.
21:22 A foolish man's
foot is soon in his [neighbour's] house: but a man of experience is ashamed
of him.
21:23 A fool will peep
in at the door into the house: but he that is well nurtured will stand without.
21:24 It is the rudeness
of a man to hearken at the door: but a wise man will be grieved with the disgrace.
21:25 The lips of talkers
will be telling such things as pertain not unto them: but the words of such
as have understanding are weighed in the balance.
21:26 The heart of fools
is in their mouth: but the mouth of the wise is in their heart.
21:27 When the ungodly
curseth Satan, he curseth his own soul.
21:28 A whisperer defileth
his own soul, and is hated wheresoever he dwelleth.
chapter 22
22:1 A slothful man is
compared to a filthy stone, and every one will hiss him out to his disgrace.
22:2 A slothful man is
compared to the filth of a dunghill: every man that takes it up will shake his
hand.
22:3 An evilnurtured
man is the dishonour of his father that begat him: and a [foolish] daughter
is born to his loss.
22:4 A wise daughter
shall bring an inheritance to her husband: but she that liveth dishonestly is
her father's heaviness.
22:5 She that is bold
dishonoureth both her father and her husband, but they both shall despise her.
22:6 A tale out of season
[is as] musick in mourning: but stripes and correction of wisdom are never out
of time.
22:7 Whoso teacheth a
fool is as one that glueth a potsherd together, and as he that waketh one from
a sound sleep.
22:8 He that telleth
a tale to a fool speaketh to one in a slumber: when he hath told his tale, he
will say, What is the matter?
22:9 If children live
honestly, and have wherewithal, they shall cover the baseness of their parents.
22:10 But children,
being haughty, through disdain and want of nurture do stain the nobility of
their kindred.
22:11 Weep for the dead,
for he hath lost the light: and weep for the fool, for he wanteth understanding:
make little weeping for the dead, for he is at rest: but the life of the fool
is worse than death.
22:12 Seven days do
men mourn for him that is dead; but for a fool and an ungodly man all the days
of his life.
22:13 Talk not much
with a fool, and go not to him that hath no understanding: beware of him, lest
thou have trouble, and thou shalt never be defiled with his fooleries: depart
from him, and thou shalt find rest, and never be disquieted with madness.
22:14 What is heavier
than lead? and what is the name thereof, but a fool?
22:15 Sand, and salt,
and a mass of iron, is easier to bear, than a man without understanding.
22:16 As timber girt
and bound together in a building cannot be loosed with shaking: so the heart
that is stablished by advised counsel shall fear at no time.
22:17 A heart settled
upon a thought of understanding is as a fair plaistering on the wall of a gallery.
22:18 Pales set on an
high place will never stand against the wind: so a fearful heart in the imagination
of a fool cannot stand against any fear.
22:19 He that pricketh
the eye will make tears to fall: and he that pricketh the heart maketh it to
shew her knowledge.
22:20 Whoso casteth
a stone at the birds frayeth them away: and he that upbraideth his friend breaketh
friendship.
22:21 Though thou drewest
a sword at thy friend, yet despair not: for there may be a returning [to favour.]
22:22 If thou hast opened
thy mouth against thy friend, fear not; for there may be a reconciliation: except
for upbraiding, or pride, or disclosing of secrets, or a treacherous wound:
for for these things every friend will depart.
22:23 Be faithful to
thy neighbour in his poverty, that thou mayest rejoice in his prosperity: abide
stedfast unto him in the time of his trouble, that thou mayest be heir with
him in his heritage: for a mean estate is not always to be contemned: nor the
rich that is foolish to be had in admiration.
22:24 As the vapour
and smoke of a furnace goeth before the fire; so reviling before blood.
22:25 I will not be
ashamed to defend a friend; neither will I hide myself from him.
22:26 And if any evil
happen unto me by him, every one that heareth it will beware of him.
22:27 Who shall set
a watch before my mouth, and a seal of wisdom upon my lips, that I fall not
suddenly by them, and that my tongue destroy me not?
chapter 23
23:1 O Lord, Father and
Governor of all my whole life, leave me not to their counsels, and let me not
fall by them.
23:2 Who will set scourges
over my thoughts, and the discipline of wisdom over mine heart? that they spare
me not for mine ignorances, and it pass not by my sins:
23:3 Lest mine ignorances
increase, and my sins abound to my destruction, and I fall before mine adversaries,
and mine enemy rejoice over me, whose hope is far from thy mercy.
23:4 O Lord, Father and
God of my life, give me not a proud look, but turn away from thy servants always
a haughty mind.
23:5 Turn away from me
vain hopes and concupiscence, and thou shalt hold him up that is desirous always
to serve thee.
23:6 Let not the greediness
of the belly nor lust of the flesh take hold of me; and give not over me thy
servant into an impudent mind.
23:7 Hear, O ye children,
the discipline of the mouth: he that keepeth it shall never be taken in his
lips.
23:8 The sinner shall
be left in his foolishness: both the evil speaker and the proud shall fall thereby.
23:9 Accustom not thy
mouth to swearing; neither use thyself to the naming of the Holy One.
23:10 For as a servant
that is continually beaten shall not be without a blue mark: so he that sweareth
and nameth God continually shall not be faultless.
23:11 A man that useth
much swearing shall be filled with iniquity, and the plague shall never depart
from his house: if he shall offend, his sin shall be upon him: and if he acknowledge
not his sin, he maketh a double offence: and if he swear in vain, he shall not
be innocent, but his house shall be full of calamities.
23:12 There is a word
that is clothed about with death: God grant that it be not found in the heritage
of Jacob; for all such things shall be far from the godly, and they shall not
wallow in their sins.
23:13 Use not thy mouth
to intemperate swearing, for therein is the word of sin.
23:14 Remember thy father
and thy mother, when thou sittest among great men. Be not forgetful before them,
and so thou by thy custom become a fool, and wish that thou hadst not been born,
and curse they day of thy nativity.
23:15 The man that is
accustomed to opprobrious words will never be reformed all the days of his life.
23:16 Two sorts of men
multiply sin, and the third will bring wrath: a hot mind is as a burning fire,
it will never be quenched till it be consumed: a fornicator in the body of his
flesh will never cease till he hath kindled a fire.
23:17 All bread is sweet
to a whoremonger, he will not leave off till he die.
23:18 A man that breaketh
wedlock, saying thus in his heart, Who seeth me? I am compassed about with darkness,
the walls cover me, and no body seeth me; what need I to fear? the most High
will not remember my sins:
23:19 Such a man only
feareth the eyes of men, and knoweth not that the eyes of the Lord are ten thousand
times brighter than the sun, beholding all the ways of men, and considering
the most secret parts.
23:20 He knew all things
ere ever they were created; so also after they were perfected he looked upon
them all.
23:21 This man shall
be punished in the streets of the city, and where he suspecteth not he shall
be taken.
23:22 Thus shall it
go also with the wife that leaveth her husband, and bringeth in an heir by another.
23:23 For first, she
hath disobeyed the law of the most High; and secondly, she hath trespassed against
her own husband; and thirdly, she hath played the whore in adultery, and brought
children by another man.
23:24 She shall be brought
out into the congregation, and inquisition shall be made of her children.
23:25 Her children shall
not take root, and her branches shall bring forth no fruit.
23:26 She shall leave
her memory to be cursed, and her reproach shall not be blotted out.
23:27 And they that
remain shall know that there is nothing better than the fear of the Lord, and
that there is nothing sweeter than to take heed unto the commandments of the
Lord.
23:28 It is great glory
to follow the Lord, and to be received of him is long life.
chapter 24
24:1 Wisdom shall praise
herself, and shall glory in the midst of her people.
24:2 In the congregation
of the most High shall she open her mouth, and triumph before his power.
24:3 I came out of the
mouth of the most High, and covered the earth as a cloud.
24:4 I dwelt in high
places, and my throne is in a cloudy pillar.
24:5 I alone compassed
the circuit of heaven, and walked in the bottom of the deep.
24:6 In the waves of
the sea and in all the earth, and in every people and nation, I got a possession.
24:7 With all these I
sought rest: and in whose inheritance shall I abide?
24:8 So the Creator of
all things gave me a commandment, and he that made me caused my tabernacle to
rest, and said, Let thy dwelling be in Jacob, and thine inheritance in Israel.
24:9 He created me from
the beginning before the world, and I shall never fail.
24:10 In the holy tabernacle
I served before him; and so was I established in Sion.
24:11 Likewise in the
beloved city he gave me rest, and in Jerusalem was my power.
24:12 And I took root
in an honourable people, even in the portion of the Lord's inheritance.
24:13 I was exalted
like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress tree upon the mountains of Hermon.
24:14 I was exalted
like a palm tree in En-gaddi, and as a rose plant in Jericho, as a fair olive
tree in a pleasant field, and grew up as a plane tree by the water.
24:15 I gave a sweet
smell like cinnamon and aspalathus, and I yielded a pleasant odour like the
best myrrh, as galbanum, and onyx, and sweet storax, and as the fume of frankincense
in the tabernacle.
24:16 As the turpentine
tree I stretched out my branches, and my branches are the branches of honour
and grace.
24:17 As the vine brought
I forth pleasant savour, and my flowers are the fruit of honour and riches.
24:18 I am the mother
of fair love, and fear, and knowledge, and holy hope: I therefore, being eternal,
am given to all my children which are named of him.
24:19 Come unto me,
all ye that be desirous of me, and fill yourselves with my fruits.
24:20 For my memorial
is sweeter than honey, and mine inheritance than the honeycomb.
24:21 They that eat
me shall yet be hungry, and they that drink me shall yet be thirsty.
24:22 He that obeyeth
me shall never be confounded, and they that work by me shall not do amiss.
24:23 All these things
are the book of the covenant of the most high God, even the law which Moses
commanded for an heritage unto the congregations of Jacob.
24:24 Faint not to be
strong in the Lord; that he may confirm you, cleave unto him: for the Lord Almighty
is God alone, and beside him there is no other Saviour.
24:25 He filleth all
things with his wisdom, as Phison and as Tigris in the time of the new fruits.
24:26 He maketh the
understanding to abound like Euphrates, and as Jordan in the time of the harvest.
24:27 He maketh the
doctrine of knowledge appear as the light, and as Geon in the time of vintage.
24:28 The first man
knew her not perfectly: no more shall the last find her out.
24:29 For her thoughts
are more than the sea, and her counsels profounder than the great deep.
24:30 I also came out
as a brook from a river, and as a conduit into a garden.
24:31 I said, I will
water my best garden, and will water abundantly my garden bed: and, lo, my brook
became a river, and my river became a sea.
24:32 I will yet make
doctrine to shine as the morning, and will send forth her light afar off.
24:33 I will yet pour
out doctrine as prophecy, and leave it to all ages for ever.
24:34 Behold that I
have not laboured for myself only, but for all them that seek wisdom.
chapter 25
25:1 In three things I
was beautified, and stood up beautiful both before God and men: the unity of
brethren, the love of neighbours, a man and a wife that agree together.
25:2 Three sorts of men
my soul hateth, and I am greatly offended at their life: a poor man that is
proud, a rich man that is a liar, and an old adulterer that doateth.
25:3 If thou hast gathered
nothing in thy youth, how canst thou find any thing in thine age?
25:4 O how comely a thing
is judgment for gray hairs, and for ancient men to know counsel!
25:5 O how comely is
the wisdom of old men, and understanding and counsel to men of honour.
25:6 Much experience
is the crown of old men, and the fear of God is their glory.
25:7 There be nine things
which I have judged in mine heart to be happy, and the tenth I will utter with
my tongue: A man that hath joy of his children; and he that liveth to see the
fall of his enemy:
25:8 Well is him that
dwelleth with a wife of understanding, and that hath not slipped with his tongue,
and that hath not served a man more unworthy than himself:
25:9 Well is him that
hath found prudence, and he that speaketh in the ears of them that will hear:
25:10 O how great is
he that findeth wisdom! yet is there none above him that feareth the Lord.
25:11 But the love of
the Lord passeth all things for illumination: he that holdeth it, whereto shall
he be likened?
25:12 The fear of the
Lord is the beginning of his love: and faith is the beginning of cleaving unto
him.
25:13 [Give me] any
plague, but the plague of the heart: and any wickedness, but the wickedness
of a woman:
25:14 And any affliction,
but the affliction from them that hate me: and any revenge, but the revenge
of enemies.
25:15 There is no head
above the head of a serpent; and there is no wrath above the wrath of an enemy.
25:16 I had rather dwell
with a lion and a dragon, than to keep house with a wicked woman.
25:17 The wickedness
of a woman changeth her face, and darkeneth her countenance like sackcloth.
25:18 Her husband shall
sit among his neighbours; and when he heareth it shall sigh bitterly.
25:19 All wickedness
is but little to the wickedness of a woman: let the portion of a sinner fall
upon her.
25:20 As the climbing
up a sandy way is to the feet of the aged, so is a wife full of words to a quiet
man.
25:21 Stumble not at
the beauty of a woman, and desire her not for pleasure.
25:22 A woman, if she
maintain her husband, is full of anger, impudence, and much reproach.
25:23 A wicked woman
abateth the courage, maketh an heavy countenance and a wounded heart: a woman
that will not comfort her husband in distress maketh weak hands and feeble knees.
25:24 Of the woman came
the beginning of sin, and through her we all die.
25:25 Give the water
no passage; neither a wicked woman liberty to gad abroad.
25:26 If she go not
as thou wouldest have her, cut her off from thy flesh, and give her a bill of
divorce, and let her go.
chapter 26
26:1 Blessed is the man
that hath a virtuous wife, for the number of his days shall be double.
26:2 A virtuous woman
rejoiceth her husband, and he shall fulfil the years of his life in peace.
26:3 A good wife is a
good portion, which shall be given in the portion of them that fear the Lord.
26:4 Whether a man be
rich or poor, if he have a good heart toward the Lord, he shall at all times
rejoice with a cheerful countenance.
26:5 There be three things
that mine heart feareth; and for the fourth I was sore afraid: the slander of
a city, the gathering together of an unruly multitude, and a false accusation:
all these are worse than death.
26:6 But a grief of heart
and sorrow is a woman that is jealous over another woman, and a scourge of the
tongue which communicateth with all.
26:7 An evil wife is
a yoke shaken to and fro: he that hath hold of her is as though he held a scorpion.
26:8 A drunken woman
and a gadder abroad causeth great anger, and she will not cover her own shame.
26:9 The whoredom of
a woman may be known in her haughty looks and eyelids.
26:10 If thy daughter
be shameless, keep her in straitly, lest she abuse herself through overmuch
liberty.
26:11 Watch over an
impudent eye: and marvel not if she trespass against thee.
26:12 She will open
her mouth, as a thirsty traveller when he hath found a fountain, and drink of
every water near her: by every hedge will she sit down, and open her quiver
against every arrow.
26:13 The grace of a
wife delighteth her husband, and her discretion will fatten his bones.
26:14 A silent and loving
woman is a gift of the Lord; and there is nothing so much worth as a mind well
instructed.
26:15 A shamefaced and
faithful woman is a double grace, and her continent mind cannot be valued.
26:16 As the sun when
it ariseth in the high heaven; so is the beauty of a good wife in the ordering
of her house.
26:17 As the clear light
is upon the holy candlestick; so is the beauty of the face in ripe age.
26:18 As the golden
pillars are upon the sockets of silver; so are the fair feet with a constant
heart.
26:19 My son, keep the
flower of thine age sound; and give not thy strength to strangers.
26:20 When thou hast
gotten a fruitful possession through all the field, sow it with thine own seed,
trusting in the goodness of thy stock.
26:21 So thy race which
thou leavest shall be magnified, having the confidence of their good descent.
26:22 An harlot shall
be accounted as spittle; but a married woman is a tower against death to her
husband.
26:23 A wicked woman
is given as a portion to a wicked man: but a godly woman is given to him that
feareth the Lord.
26:24 A dishonest woman
contemneth shame: but an honest woman will reverence her husband.
26:25 A shameless woman
shall be counted as a dog; but she that is shamefaced will fear the Lord.
26:26 A woman that honoureth
her husband shall be judged wise of all; but she that dishonoureth him in her
pride shall be counted ungodly of all.
26:27 A loud crying
woman and a scold shall be sought out to drive away the enemies.
26:28 There be two things
that grieve my heart; and the third maketh me angry: a man of war that suffereth
poverty; and men of understanding that are not set by; and one that returneth
from righteousness to sin; the Lord prepareth such an one for the sword.
26:29 A merchant shall
hardly keep himself from doing wrong; and an huckster shall not be freed from
sin.
chapter 27
27:1 Many have sinned for
a small matter; and he that seeketh for abundance will turn his eyes away.
27:2 As a nail sticketh
fast between the joinings of the stones; so doth sin stick close between buying
and selling.
27:3 Unless a man hold
himself diligently in the fear of the Lord, his house shall soon be overthrown.
27:4 As when one sifteth
with a sieve, the refuse remaineth; so the filth of man in his talk.
27:5 The furnace proveth
the potter's vessels; so the trial of man is in his reasoning.
27:6 The fruit declareth
if the tree have been dressed; so is the utterance of a conceit in the heart
of man.
27:7 Praise no man before
thou hearest him speak; for this is the trial of men.
27:8 If thou followest
righteousness, thou shalt obtain her, and put her on, as a glorious long robe.
27:9 The birds will resort
unto their like; so will truth return unto them that practise in her.
27:10 As the lion lieth
in wait for the prey; so sin for them that work iniquity.
27:11 The discourse
of a godly man is always with wisdom; but a fool changeth as the moon.
27:12 If thou be among
the indiscreet, observe the time; but be continually among men of understanding.
27:13 The discourse
of fools is irksome, and their sport is the wantonness of sin.
27:14 The talk of him
that sweareth much maketh the hair stand upright; and their brawls make one
stop his ears.
27:15 The strife of
the proud is bloodshedding, and their revilings are grievous to the ear.
27:16 Whoso discovereth
secrets loseth his credit; and shall never find friend to his mind.
27:17 Love thy friend,
and be faithful unto him: but if thou betrayest his secrets, follow no more
after him.
27:18 For as a man hath
destroyed his enemy; so hast thou lost the love of thy neighbor.
27:19 As one that letteth
a bird go out of his hand, so hast thou let thy neighbour go, and shalt not
get him again
27:20 Follow after him
no more, for he is too far off; he is as a roe escaped out of the snare.
27:21 As for a wound,
it may be bound up; and after reviling there may be reconcilement: but he that
betrayeth secrets is without hope.
27:22 He that winketh
with the eyes worketh evil: and he that knoweth him will depart from him.
27:23 When thou art
present, he will speak sweetly, and will admire thy words: but at the last he
will writhe his mouth, and slander thy sayings.
27:24 I have hated many
things, but nothing like him; for the Lord will hate him.
27:25 Whoso casteth
a stone on high casteth it on his own head; and a deceitful stroke shall make
wounds.
27:26 Whoso diggeth
a pit shall fall therein: and he that setteth a trap shall be taken therein.
27:27 He that worketh
mischief, it shall fall upon him, and he shall not know whence it cometh.
27:28 Mockery and reproach
are from the proud; but vengeance, as a lion, shall lie in wait for them.
27:29 They that rejoice
at the fall of the righteous shall be taken in the snare; and anguish shall
consume them before they die.
27:30 Malice and wrath,
even these are abominations; and the sinful man shall have them both.
chapter 28
28:1 He that revengeth
shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surely keep his sins [in remembrance.]
28:2 Forgive thy neighbour
the hurt that he hath done unto thee, so shall thy sins also be forgiven when
thou prayest.
28:3 One man beareth
hatred against another, and doth he seek pardon from the Lord?
28:4 He sheweth no mercy
to a man, which is like himself: and doth he ask forgiveness of his own sins?
28:5 If he that is but
flesh nourish hatred, who will intreat for pardon of his sins?
28:6 Remember thy end,
and let enmity cease; [remember] corruption and death, and abide in the commandments.
28:7 Remember the commandments,
and bear no malice to thy neighbour: [remember] the covenant of the Highest,
and wink at ignorance.
28:8 Abstain from strife,
and thou shalt diminish thy sins: for a furious man will kindle strife,
28:9 A sinful man disquieteth
friends, and maketh debate among them that be at peace.
28:10 As the matter
of the fire is, so it burneth: and as a man's strength is, so is his wrath;
and according to his riches his anger riseth; and the stronger they are which
contend, the more they will be inflamed.
28:11 An hasty contention
kindleth a fire: and an hasty fighting sheddeth blood.
28:12 If thou blow the
spark, it shall burn: if thou spit upon it, it shall be quenched: and both these
come out of thy mouth.
28:13 Curse the whisperer
and doubletongued: for such have destroyed many that were at peace.
28:14 A backbiting tongue
hath disquieted many, and driven them from nation to nation: strong cities hath
it pulled down, and overthrown the houses of great men.
28:15 A backbiting tongue
hath cast out virtuous women, and deprived them of their labours.
28:16 Whoso hearkeneth
unto it shall never find rest, and never dwell quietly.
28:17 The stroke of
the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the
bones.
28:18 Many have fallen
by the edge of the sword: but not so many as have fallen by the tongue.
28:19 Well is he that
is defended through the venom thereof; who hath not drawn the yoke thereof,
nor hath been bound in her bands.
28:20 For the yoke thereof
is a yoke of iron, and the bands thereof are bands of brass.
28:21 The death thereof
is an evil death, the grave were better than it.
28:22 It shall not have
rule over them that fear God, neither shall they be burned with the flame thereof.
28:23 Such as forsake
the Lord shall fall into it; and it shall burn in them, and not be quenched;
it shall be sent upon them as a lion, and devour them as a leopard.
28:24 Look that thou
hedge thy possession about with thorns, and bind up thy silver and gold,
28:25 And weigh thy
words in a balance, and make a door and bar for thy mouth.
28:26 Beware thou slide
not by it, lest thou fall before him that lieth in wait.
chapter 29
29:1 He that is merciful
will lend unto his neighbour; and he that strengtheneth his hand keepeth the
commandments.
29:2 Lend to thy neighbour
in time of his need, and pay thou thy neighbour again in due season.
29:3 Keep thy word, and
deal faithfully with him, and thou shalt always find the thing that is necessary
for thee.
29:4 Many, when a thing
was lent them, reckoned it to be found, and put them to trouble that helped
them.
29:5 Till he hath received,
he will kiss a man's hand; and for his neighbour's money he will speak submissly:
but when he should repay, he will prolong the time, and return words of grief,
and complain of the time.
29:6 If he prevail, he
shall hardly receive the half, and he will count as if he had found it: if not,
he hath deprived him of his money, and he hath gotten him an enemy without cause:
he payeth him with cursings and railings; and for honour he will pay him disgrace.
29:7 Many therefore have
refused to lend for other men's ill dealing, fearing to be defrauded.
29:8 Yet have thou patience
with a man in poor estate, and delay not to shew him mercy.
29:9 Help the poor for
the commandment's sake, and turn him not away because of his poverty.
29:10 Lose thy money
for thy brother and thy friend, and let it not rust under a stone to be lost.
29:11 Lay up thy treasure
according to the commandments of the most High, and it shall bring thee more
profit than gold.
29:12 Shut up alms in
thy storehouses: and it shall deliver thee from all affliction.
29:13 It shall fight
for thee against thine enemies better than a mighty shield and strong spear.
29:14 An honest man
is surety for his neighbour: but he that is impudent will forsake him.
29:15 Forget not the
friendship of thy surety, for he hath given his life for thee.
29:16 A sinner will
overthrow the good estate of his surety:
29:17 And he that is
of an unthankful mind will leave him [in danger] that delivered him.
29:18 Suretiship hath
undone many of good estate, and shaken them as a wave of the sea: mighty men
hath it driven from their houses, so that they wandered among strange nations.
29:19 A wicked man transgressing
the commandments of the Lord shall fall into suretiship: and he that undertaketh
and followeth other men's business for gain shall fall into suits.
29:20 Help thy neighbour
according to thy power, and beware that thou thyself fall not into the same.
29:21 The chief thing
for life is water, and bread, and clothing, and an house to cover shame.
29:22 Better is the
life of a poor man in a mean cottage, than delicate fare in another man's house.
29:23 Be it little or
much, hold thee contented, that thou hear not the reproach of thy house.
29:24 For it is a miserable
life to go from house to house: for where thou art a stranger, thou darest not
open thy mouth.
29:25 Thou shalt entertain,
and feast, and have no thanks: moreover thou shalt hear bitter words:
29:26 Come, thou stranger,
and furnish a table, and feed me of that thou hast ready.
29:27 Give place, thou
stranger, to an honourable man; my brother cometh to be lodged, and I have need
of mine house.
29:28 These things are
grievous to a man of understanding; the upbraiding of houseroom, and reproaching
of the lender.
chapter 30
30:1 He that loveth his
son causeth him oft to feel the rod, that he may have joy of him in the end.
30:2 He that chastiseth
his son shall have joy in him, and shall rejoice of him among his acquaintance.
30:3 He that teacheth
his son grieveth the enemy: and before his friends he shall rejoice of him.
30:4 Though his father
die, yet he is as though he were not dead: for he hath left one behind him that
is like himself.
30:5 While he lived,
he saw and rejoiced in him: and when he died, he was not sorrowful.
30:6 He left behind him
an avenger against his enemies, and one that shall requite kindness to his friends.
30:7 He that maketh too
much of his son shall bind up his wounds; and his bowels will be troubled at
every cry.
30:8 An horse not broken
becometh headstrong: and a child left to himself will be wilful.
30:9 Cocker thy child,
and he shall make thee afraid: play with him, and he will bring thee to heaviness.
30:10 Laugh not with
him, lest thou have sorrow with him, and lest thou gnash thy teeth in the end.
30:11 Give him no liberty
in his youth, and wink not at his follies.
30:12 Bow down his neck
while he is young, and beat him on the sides while he is a child, lest he wax
stubborn, and be disobedient unto thee, and so bring sorrow to thine heart.
30:13 Chastise thy son,
and hold him to labour, lest his lewd behaviour be an offence unto thee.
30:14 Better is the
poor, being sound and strong of constitution, than a rich man that is afflicted
in his body.
30:15 Health and good
estate of body are above all gold, and a strong body above infinite wealth.
30:16 There is no riches
above a sound body, and no joy above the joy of the heart.
30:17 Death is better
than a bitter life or continual sickness.
30:18 Delicates poured
upon a mouth shut up are as messes of meat set upon a grave.
30:19 What good doeth
the offering unto an idol? for neither can it eat nor smell: so is he that is
persecuted of the Lord.
30:20 He seeth with
his eyes and groaneth, as an eunuch that embraceth a virgin and sigheth.
30:21 Give not over
thy mind to heaviness, and afflict not thyself in thine own counsel.
30:22 The gladness of
the heart is the life of man, and the joyfulness of a man prolongeth his days.
30:23 Love thine own
soul, and comfort thy heart, remove sorrow far from thee: for sorrow hath killed
many, and there is no profit therein.
30:24 Envy and wrath
shorten the life, and carefulness bringeth age before the time.
30:25 A cheerful and
good heart will have a care of his meat and diet.
chapter 31
31:1 Watching for riches
consumeth the flesh, and the care thereof driveth away sleep.
31:2 Watching care will
not let a man slumber, as a sore disease breaketh sleep,
31:3 The rich hath great
labour in gathering riches together; and when he resteth, he is filled with
his delicates.
31:4 The poor laboureth
in his poor estate; and when he leaveth off, he is still needy.
31:5 He that loveth gold
shall not be justified, and he that followeth corruption shall have enough thereof.
31:6 Gold hath been the
ruin of many, and their destruction was present.
31:7 It is a stumblingblock
unto them that sacrifice unto it, and every fool shall be taken therewith.
31:8 Blessed is the rich
that is found without blemish, and hath not gone after gold.
31:9 Who is he? and we
will call him blessed: for wonderful things hath he done among his people.
31:10 Who hath been
tried thereby, and found perfect? then let him glory. Who might offend, and
hath not offended? or done evil, and hath not done it?
31:11 His goods shall
be established, and the congregation shall declare his alms.
31:12 If thou sit at
a bountiful table, be not greedy upon it, and say not, There is much meat on
it.
31:13 Remember that
a wicked eye is an evil thing: and what is created more wicked than an eye?
therefore it weepeth upon every occasion.
31:14 Stretch not thine
hand whithersoever it looketh, and thrust it not with him into the dish.
31:15 Judge not thy
neighbour by thyself: and be discreet in every point.
31:16 Eat as it becometh
a man, those things which are set before thee; and devour note, lest thou be
hated.
31:17 Leave off first
for manners' sake; and be not unsatiable, lest thou offend.
31:18 When thou sittest
among many, reach not thine hand out first of all.
31:19 A very little
is sufficient for a man well nurtured, and he fetcheth not his wind short upon
his bed.
31:20 Sound sleep cometh
of moderate eating: he riseth early, and his wits are with him: but the pain
of watching, and choler, and pangs of the belly, are with an unsatiable man.
31:21 And if thou hast
been forced to eat, arise, go forth, vomit, and thou shalt have rest.
31:22 My son, hear me,
and despise me not, and at the last thou shalt find as I told thee: in all thy
works be quick, so shall there no sickness come unto thee.
31:23 Whoso is liberal
of his meat, men shall speak well of him; and the report of his good housekeeping
will be believed.
31:24 But against him
that is a niggard of his meat the whole city shall murmur; and the testimonies
of his niggardness shall not be doubted of.
31:25 Shew not thy valiantness
in wine; for wine hath destroyed many.
31:26 The furnace proveth
the edge by dipping: so doth wine the hearts of the proud by drunkeness.
31:27 Wine is as good
as life to a man, if it be drunk moderately: what life is then to a man that
is without wine? for it was made to make men glad.
31:28 Wine measurably
drunk and in season bringeth gladness of the heart, and cheerfulness of the
mind:
31:29 But wine drunken
with excess maketh bitterness of the mind, with brawling and quarrelling.
31:30 Drunkenness increaseth
the rage of a fool till he offend: it diminisheth strength, and maketh wounds.
31:31 Rebuke not thy
neighbour at the wine, and despise him not in his mirth: give him no despiteful
words, and press not upon him with urging him [to drink.]
chapter 32
32:1 If thou be made the
master [of a feast,] lift not thyself up, but be among them as one of the rest;
take diligent care for them, and so sit down.
32:2 And when thou hast
done all thy office, take thy place, that thou mayest be merry with them, and
receive a crown for thy well ordering of the feast.
32:3 Speak, thou that
art the elder, for it becometh thee, but with sound judgment; and hinder not
musick.
32:4 Pour not out words
where there is a musician, and shew not forth wisdom out of time.
32:5 A concert of musick
in a banquet of wine is as a signet of carbuncle set in gold.
32:6 As a signet of an
emerald set in a work of gold, so is the melody of musick with pleasant wine.
32:7 Speak, young man,
if there be need of thee: and yet scarcely when thou art twice asked.
32:8 Let thy speech be
short, comprehending much in few words; be as one that knoweth and yet holdeth
his tongue.
32:9 If thou be among
great men, make not thyself equal with them; and when ancient men are in place,
use not many words.
32:10 Before the thunder
goeth lightning; and before a shamefaced man shall go favour.
32:11 Rise up betimes,
and be not the last; but get thee home without delay.
32:12 There take thy
pastime, and do what thou wilt: but sin not by proud speech.
32:13 And for these
things bless him that made thee, and hath replenished thee with his good things.
32:14 Whoso feareth
the Lord will receive his discipline; and they that seek him early shall find
favour.
32:15 He that seeketh
the law shall be filled therewith: but the hypocrite will be offended thereat.
32:16 They that fear
the Lord shall find judgment, and shall kindle justice as a light.
32:17 A sinful man will
not be reproved, but findeth an excuse according to his will.
32:18 A man of counsel
will be considerate; but a strange and proud man is not daunted with fear, even
when of himself he hath done without counsel.
32:19 Do nothing without
advice; and when thou hast once done, repent not.
32:20 Go not in a way
wherein thou mayest fall, and stumble not among the stones.
32:21 Be not confident
in a plain way.
32:22 And beware of
thine own children.
32:23 In every good
work trust thy own soul; for this is the keeping of the commandments.
32:24 He that believeth
in the Lord taketh heed to the commandment; and he that trusteth in him shall
fare never the worse.
chapter 33
33:1 There shall no evil
happen unto him that feareth the Lord; but in temptation even again he will
deliver him.
33:2 A wise man hateth
not the law; but he that is an hypocrite therein is as a ship in a storm.
33:3 A man of understanding
trusteth in the law; and the law is faithful unto him, as an oracle.
33:4 Prepare what to
say, and so thou shalt be heard: and bind up instruction, and then make answer.
33:5 The heart of the
foolish is like a cartwheel; and his thoughts are like a rolling axletree.
33:6 A stallion horse
is as a mocking friend, he neigheth under every one that sitteth upon him.
33:7 Why doth one day
excel another, when as all the light of every day in the year is of the sun?
33:8 By the knowledge
of the Lord they were distinguished: and he altered seasons and feasts.
33:9 Some of them hath
he made high days, and hallowed them, and some of them hath he made ordinary
days.
33:10 And all men are
from the ground, and Adam was created of earth:
33:11 In much knowledge
the Lord hath divided them, and made their ways diverse.
33:12 Some of them hath
he blessed and exalted and some of them he sanctified, and set near himself:
but some of them hath he cursed and brought low, and turned out of their places.
33:13 As the clay is
in the potter's hand, to fashion it at his pleasure: so man is in the hand of
him that made him, to render to them as liketh him best.
33:14 Good is set against
evil, and life against death: so is the godly against the sinner, and the sinner
against the godly.
33:15 So look upon all
the works of the most High; and there are two and two, one against another.
33:16 I awaked up last
of all, as one that gathereth after the grapegatherers: by the blessing of the
Lord I profited, and tred my winepress like a gatherer of grapes.
33:17 Consider that
I laboured not for myself only, but for all them that seek learning.
33:18 Hear me, O ye
great men of the people, and hearken with your ears, ye rulers of the congregation.
33:19 Give not thy son
and wife, thy brother and friend, power over thee while thou livest, and give
not thy goods to another: lest it repent thee, and thou intreat for the same
again.
33:20 As long as thou
livest and hast breath in thee, give not thyself over to any.
33:21 For better it
is that thy children should seek to thee, than that thou shouldest stand to
their courtesy.
33:22 In all thy works
keep to thyself the preeminence; leave not a stain in thine honour.
33:23 At the time when
thou shalt end thy days, and finish thy life, distribute thine inheritance.
33:24 Fodder, a wand,
and burdens, are for the ass; and bread, correction, and work, for a servant.
.
33:25 If thou set thy
servant to labour, thou shalt find rest: but if thou let him go idle, he shall
seek liberty.
33:26 A yoke and a collar
do bow the neck: so are tortures and torments for an evil servant.
33:27 Send him to labour,
that he be not idle; for idleness teacheth much evil.
33:28 Set him to work,
as is fit for him: if he be not obedient, put on more heavy fetters.
33:29 But be not excessive
toward any; and without discretion do nothing.
33:30 If thou have a
servant, let him be unto thee as thyself, because thou hast bought him with
a price.
33:31 If thou have a
servant, entreat him as a brother: for thou hast need of him, as of thine own
soul: if thou entreat him evil, and he run from thee, which way wilt thou go
to seek him?
chapter 34
34:1 The hopes of a man
void of understanding are vain and false: and dreams lift up fools.
34:2 Whoso regardeth
dreams is like him that catcheth at a shadow, and followeth after the wind.
34:3 The vision of dreams
is the resemblance of one thing to another, even as the likeness of a face to
a face.
34:4 Of an unclean thing
what can be cleansed? and from that thing which is false what truth can come?
34:5 Divinations, and
soothsayings, and dreams, are vain: and the heart fancieth, as a woman's heart
in travail.
34:6 If they be not sent
from the most High in thy visitation, set not thy heart upon them.
34:7 For dreams have
deceived many, and they have failed that put their trust in them.
34:8 The law shall be
found perfect without lies: and wisdom is perfection to a faithful mouth.
34:9 A man that hath
travelled knoweth many things; and he that hath much experience will declare
wisdom.
34:10 He that hath no
experience knoweth little: but he that hath travelled is full of prudence.
34:11 When I travelled,
I saw many things; and I understand more than I can express.
34:12 I was ofttimes
in danger of death: yet I was delivered because of these things.
34:13 The spirit of
those that fear the Lord shall live; for their hope is in him that saveth them.
34:14 Whoso feareth
the Lord shall not fear nor be afraid; for he is his hope.
34:15 Blessed is the
soul of him that feareth the Lord: to whom doth he look? and who is his strength?
34:16 For the eyes of
the Lord are upon them that love him, he is their mighty protection and strong
stay, a defence from heat, and a cover from the sun at noon, a preservation
from stumbling, and an help from falling.
34:17 He raiseth up
the soul, and lighteneth the eyes: he giveth health, life, and blessing.
34:18 He that sacrificeth
of a thing wrongfully gotten, his offering is ridiculous; and the gifts of unjust
men are not accepted.
34:19 The most High
is not pleased with the offerings of the wicked; neither is he pacified for
sin by the multitude of sacrifices.
34:20 Whoso bringeth
an offering of the goods of the poor doeth as one that killeth the son before
his father's eyes.
34:21 The bread of the
needy is their life: he that defraudeth him thereof is a man of blood.
34:22 He that taketh
away his neighbour's living slayeth him; and he that defraudeth the labourer
of his hire is a bloodshedder.
34:23 When one buildeth,
and another pulleth down, what profit have they then but labour?
34:24 When one prayeth,
and another curseth, whose voice will the Lord hear?
34:25 He that washeth
himself after the touching of a dead body, if he touch it again, what availeth
his washing?
34:26 So is it with
a man that fasteth for his sins, and goeth again, and doeth the same: who will
hear his prayer? or what doth his humbling profit him?
chapter 35
35:1 He that keepeth the
law bringeth offerings enough: he that taketh heed to the commandment offereth
a peace offering.
35:2 He that requiteth
a goodturn offereth fine flour; and he that giveth alms sacrificeth praise.
35:3 To depart from wickedness
is a thing pleasing to the Lord; and to forsake unrighteousness is a propitiation.
35:4 Thou shalt not appear
empty before the Lord.
35:5 For all these things
[are to be done] because of the commandment.
35:6 The offering of
the righteous maketh the altar fat, and the sweet savour thereof is before the
most High.
35:7 The sacrifice of
a just man is acceptable. and the memorial thereof shall never be forgotten.
35:8 Give the Lord his
honour with a good eye, and diminish not the firstfruits of thine hands.
35:9 In all thy gifts
shew a cheerful countenance, and dedicate thy tithes with gladness.
35:10 Give unto the
most High according as he hath enriched thee; and as thou hast gotten, give
with a cheerful eye.
35:11 For the Lord recompenseth,
and will give thee seven times as much.
35:12 Do not think to
corrupt with gifts; for such he will not receive: and trust not to unrighteous
sacrifices; for the Lord is judge, and with him is no respect of persons.
35:13 He will not accept
any person against a poor man, but will hear the prayer of the oppressed.
35:14 He will not despise
the supplication of the fatherless; nor the widow, when she poureth out her
complaint.
35:15 Do not the tears
run down the widow's cheeks? and is not her cry against him that causeth them
to fall?
35:16 He that serveth
the Lord shall be accepted with favour, and his prayer shall reach unto the
clouds.
35:17 The prayer of
the humble pierceth the clouds: and till it come nigh, he will not be comforted;
and will not depart, till the most High shall behold to judge righteously, and
execute judgment.
35:18 For the Lord will
not be slack, neither will the Mighty be patient toward them, till he have smitten
in sunder the loins of the unmerciful, and repayed vengeance to the heathen;
till he have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the sceptre of
the unrighteous;
35:19 Till he have rendered
to every man according to his deeds, and to the works of men according to their
devices; till he have judged the cause of his people, and made them to rejoice
in his mercy.
35:20 Mercy is seasonable
in the time of affliction, as clouds of rain in the time of drought.
chapter 36
36:1 Have mercy upon us,
O Lord God of all, and behold us:
36:2 And send thy fear
upon all the nations that seek not after thee.
36:3 Lift up thy hand
against the strange nations, and let them see thy power.
36:4 As thou wast sanctified
in us before them: so be thou magnified among them before us.
36:5 And let them know
thee, as we have known thee, that there is no God but only thou, O God.
36:6 Shew new signs,
and make other strange wonders: glorify thy hand and thy right arm, that they
may set forth thy wondrous works.
36:7 Raise up indignation,
and pour out wrath: take away the adversary, and destroy the enemy.
36:8 Sake the time short,
remember the covenant, and let them declare thy wonderful works.
36:9 Let him that escapeth
be consumed by the rage of the fire; and let them perish that oppress the people.
36:10 Smite in sunder
the heads of the rulers of the heathen, that say, There is none other but we.
36:11 Gather all the
tribes of Jacob together, and inherit thou them, as from the beginning.
36:12 O Lord, have mercy
upon the people that is called by thy name, and upon Israel, whom thou hast
named thy firstborn.
36:13 O be merciful
unto Jerusalem, thy holy city, the place of thy rest.
36:14 Fill Sion with
thine unspeakable oracles, and thy people with thy glory:
36:15 Give testimony
unto those that thou hast possessed from the beginning, and raise up prophets
that have been in thy name.
36:16 Reward them that
wait for thee, and let thy prophets be found faithful.
36:17 O Lord, hear the
prayer of thy servants, according to the blessing of Aaron over thy people,
that all they which dwell upon the earth may know that thou art the Lord, the
eternal God.
36:18 The belly devoureth
all meats, yet is one meat better than another.
36:19 As the palate
tasteth divers kinds of venison: so doth an heart of understanding false speeches.
36:20 A froward heart
causeth heaviness: but a man of experience will recompense him.
36:21 A woman will receive
every man, yet is one daughter better than another.
36:22 The beauty of
a woman cheereth the countenance, and a man loveth nothing better.
36:23 If there be kindness,
meekness, and comfort, in her tongue, then is not her husband like other men.
36:24 He that getteth
a wife beginneth a possession, a help like unto himself, and a pillar of rest.
36:25 Where no hedge
is, there the possession is spoiled: and he that hath no wife will wander up
and down mourning.
36:26 Who will trust
a thief well appointed, that skippeth from city to city? so [who will believe]
a man that hath no house, and lodgeth wheresoever the night taketh him?
chapter 37
37:1 Every friend saith,
I am his friend also: but there is a friend, which is only a friend in name.
37:2 Is it not a grief
unto death, when a companion and friend is turned to an enemy?
37:3 O wicked imagination,
whence camest thou in to cover the earth with deceit?
37:4 There is a companion,
which rejoiceth in the prosperity of a friend, but in the time of trouble will
be against him.
37:5 There is a companion,
which helpeth his friend for the belly, and taketh up the buckler against the
enemy.
37:6 Forget not thy friend
in thy mind, and be not unmindful of him in thy riches.
37:7 Every counsellor
extolleth counsel; but there is some that counselleth for himself.
37:8 Beware of a counsellor,
and know before what need he hath; for he will counsel for himself; lest he
cast the lot upon thee,
37:9 And say unto thee,
Thy way is good: and afterward he stand on the other side, to see what shall
befall thee.
37:10 Consult not with
one that suspecteth thee: and hide thy counsel from such as envy thee.
37:11 Neither consult
with a woman touching her of whom she is jealous; neither with a coward in matters
of war; nor with a merchant concerning exchange; nor with a buyer of selling;
nor with an envious man of thankfulness; nor with an unmerciful man touching
kindness; nor with the slothful for any work; nor with an hireling for a year
of finishing work; nor with an idle servant of much business: hearken not unto
these in any matter of counsel.
37:12 But be continually
with a godly man, whom thou knowest to keep the commandments of the Lord, whose,
mind is according to thy mind, and will sorrow with thee, if thou shalt miscarry.
37:13 And let the counsel
of thine own heart stand: for there is no man more faithful unto thee than it.
37:14 For a man's mind
is sometime wont to tell him more than seven watchmen, that sit above in an
high tower.
37:15 And above all
this pray to the most High, that he will direct thy way in truth.
37:16 Let reason go
before every enterprize, and counsel before every action.
37:17 The countenance
is a sign of changing of the heart.
37:18 Four manner of
things appear: good and evil, life and death: but the tongue ruleth over them
continually.
37:19 There is one that
is wise and teacheth many, and yet is unprofitable to himself.
37:20 There is one that
sheweth wisdom in words, and is hated: he shall be destitute of all food.
37:21 For grace is not
given, him from the Lord, because he is deprived of all wisdom.
37:22 Another is wise
to himself; and the fruits of understanding are commendable in his mouth.
37:23 A wise man instructeth
his people; and the fruits of his understanding fail not.
37:24 A wise man shall
be filled with blessing; and all they that see him shall count him happy.
37:25 The days of the
life of man may be numbered: but the days of Israel are innumerable.
37:26 A wise man shall
inherit glory among his people, and his name shall be perpetual.
37:27 My son, prove
thy soul in thy life, and see what is evil for it, and give not that unto it.
37:28 For all things
are not profitable for all men, neither hath every soul pleasure in every thing.
37:29 Be not unsatiable
in any dainty thing, nor too greedy upon meats:
37:30 For excess of
meats bringeth sickness, and surfeiting will turn into choler.
37:31 By surfeiting
have many perished; but he that taketh heed prolongeth his life.
chapter 38
38:1 Honour a physician
with the honour due unto him for the uses which ye may have of him: for the
Lord hath created him.
38:2 For of the most
High cometh healing, and he shall receive honour of the king.
38:3 The skill of the
physician shall lift up his head: and in the sight of great men he shall be
in admiration.
38:4 The Lord hath created
medicines out of the earth; and he that is wise will not abhor them.
38:5 Was not the water
made sweet with wood, that the virtue thereof might be known?
38:6 And he hath given
men skill, that he might be honoured in his marvellous works.
38:7 With such doth he
heal [men,] and taketh away their pains.
38:8 Of such doth the
apothecary make a confection; and of his works there is no end; and from him
is peace over all the earth,
38:9 My son, in thy sickness
be not negligent: but pray unto the Lord, and he will make thee whole.
38:10 Leave off from
sin, and order thine hands aright, and cleanse thy heart from all wickedness.
38:11 Give a sweet savour,
and a memorial of fine flour; and make a fat offering, as not being.
38:12 Then give place
to the physician, for the Lord hath created him: let him not go from thee, for
thou hast need of him.
38:13 There is a time
when in their hands there is good success.
38:14 For they shall
also pray unto the Lord, that he would prosper that, which they give for ease
and remedy to prolong life.
38:15 He that sinneth
before his Maker, let him fall into the hand of the physician.
38:16 My son, let tears
fall down over the dead, and begin to lament, as if thou hadst suffered great
harm thyself; and then cover his body according to the custom, and neglect not
his burial.
38:17 Weep bitterly,
and make great moan, and use lamentation, as he is worthy, and that a day or
two, lest thou be evil spoken of: and then comfort thyself for thy heaviness.
38:18 For of heaviness
cometh death, and the heaviness of the heart breaketh strength.
38:19 In affliction
also sorrow remaineth: and the life of the poor is the curse of the heart.
38:20 Take no heaviness
to heart: drive it away, and member the last end.
38:21 Forget it not,
for there is no turning again: thou shalt not do him good, but hurt thyself.
38:22 Remember my judgment:
for thine also shall be so; yesterday for me, and to day for thee.
38:23 When the dead
is at rest, let his remembrance rest; and be comforted for him, when his Spirit
is departed from him.
38:24 The wisdom of
a learned man cometh by opportunity of leisure: and he that hath little business
shall become wise.
38:25 How can he get
wisdom that holdeth the plough, and that glorieth in the goad, that driveth
oxen, and is occupied in their labours, and whose talk is of bullocks?
38:26 He giveth his
mind to make furrows; and is diligent to give the kine fodder.
38:27 So every carpenter
and workmaster, that laboureth night and day: and they that cut and grave seals,
and are diligent to make great variety, and give themselves to counterfeit imagery,
and watch to finish a work:
38:28 The smith also
sitting by the anvil, and considering the iron work, the vapour of the fire
wasteth his flesh, and he fighteth with the heat of the furnace: the noise of
the hammer and the anvil is ever in his ears, and his eyes look still upon the
pattern of the thing that he maketh; he setteth his mind to finish his work,
and watcheth to polish it perfectly:
38:29 So doth the potter
sitting at his work, and turning the wheel about with his feet, who is alway
carefully set at his work, and maketh all his work by number;
38:30 He fashioneth
the clay with his arm, and boweth down his strength before his feet; he applieth
himself to lead it over; and he is diligent to make clean the furnace:
38:31 All these trust
to their hands: and every one is wise in his work.
38:32 Without these
cannot a city be inhabited: and they shall not dwell where they will, nor go
up and down:
38:33 They shall not
be sought for in publick counsel, nor sit high in the congregation: they shall
not sit on the judges' seat, nor understand the sentence of judgment: they cannot
declare justice and judgment; and they shall not be found where parables are
spoken.
38:34 But they will
maintain the state of the world, and [all] their desire is in the work of their
craft.
chapter 39
39:1 But he that giveth
his mind to the law of the most High, and is occupied in the meditation thereof,
will seek out the wisdom of all the ancient, and be occupied in prophecies.
39:2 He will keep the
sayings of the renowned men: and where subtil parables are, he will be there
also.
39:3 He will seek out
the secrets of grave sentences, and be conversant in dark parables.
39:4 He shall serve among
great men, and appear before princes: he will travel through strange countries;
for he hath tried the good and the evil among men.
39:5 He will give his
heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, and will pray before the most
High, and will open his mouth in prayer, and make supplication for his sins.
39:6 When the great Lord
will, he shall be filled with the spirit of understanding: he shall pour out
wise sentences, and give thanks unto the Lord in his prayer.
39:7 He shall direct
his counsel and knowledge, and in his secrets shall he meditate.
39:8 He shall shew forth
that which he hath learned, and shall glory in the law of the covenant of the
Lord.
39:9 Many shall commend
his understanding; and so long as the world endureth, it shall not be blotted
out; his memorial shall not depart away, and his name shall live from generation
to generation.
39:10 Nations shall
shew forth his wisdom, and the congregation shall declare his praise.
39:11 If he die, he
shall leave a greater name than a thousand: and if he live, he shall increase
it.
39:12 Yet have I more
to say, which I have thought upon; for I am filled as the moon at the full.
39:13 Hearken unto me,
ye holy children, and bud forth as a rose growing by the brook of the field:
39:14 And give ye a
sweet savour as frankincense, and flourish as a lily, send forth a smell, and
sing a song of praise, bless the Lord in all his works.
39:15 Magnify his name,
and shew forth his praise with the songs of your lips, and with harps, and in
praising him ye shall say after this manner:
39:16 All the works
of the Lord are exceeding good, and whatsoever he commandeth shall be accomplished
in due season.
39:17 And none may say,
What is this? wherefore is that? for at time convenient they shall all be sought
out: at his commandment the waters stood as an heap, and at the words of his
mouth the receptacles of waters.
39:18 At his commandment
is done whatsoever pleaseth him; and none can hinder, when he will save.
39:19 The works of all
flesh are before him, and nothing can be hid from his eyes.
39:20 He seeth from
everlasting to everlasting; and there is nothing wonderful before him.
39:21 A man need not
to say, What is this? wherefore is that? for he hath made all things for their
uses.
39:22 His blessing covered
the dry land as a river, and watered it as a flood.
39:23 As he hath turned
the waters into saltness: so shall the heathen inherit his wrath.
39:24 As his ways are
plain unto the holy; so are they stumblingblocks unto the wicked.
39:25 For the good are
good things created from the beginning: so evil things for sinners.
39:26 The principal
things for the whole use of man's life are water, fire, iron, and salt, flour
of wheat, honey, milk, and the blood of the grape, and oil, and clothing.
39:27 All these things
are for good to the godly: so to the sinners they are turned into evil.
39:28 There be spirits
that are created for vengeance, which in their fury lay on sore strokes; in
the time of destruction they pour out their force, and appease the wrath of
him that made them.
39:29 Fire, and hail,
and famine, and death, all these were created for vengeance;
39:30 Teeth of wild
beasts, and scorpions, serpents, and the sword punishing the wicked to destruction.
39:31 They shall rejoice
in his commandment, and they shall be ready upon earth, when need is; and when
their time is come, they shall not transgress his word.
39:32 Therefore from
the beginning I was resolved, and thought upon these things, and have left them
in writing.
39:33 All the works
of the Lord are good: and he will give every needful thing in due season.
39:34 So that a man
cannot say, This is worse than that: for in time they shall all be well approved.
39:35 And therefore
praise ye the Lord with the whole heart and mouth, and bless the name of the
Lord.
chapter 40
40:1 Great travail is created
for every man, and an heavy yoke is upon the sons of Adam, from the day that
they go out of their mother's womb, till the day that they return to the mother
of all things.
40:2 Their imagination
of things to come, and the day of death, [trouble] their thoughts, and [cause]
fear of heart;
40:3 From him that sitteth
on a throne of glory, unto him that is humbled in earth and ashes;
40:4 From him that weareth
purple and a crown, unto him that is clothed with a linen frock.
40:5 Wrath, and envy,
trouble, and unquietness, fear of death, and anger, and strife, and in the time
of rest upon his bed his night sleep, do change his knowledge.
40:6 A little or nothing
is his rest, and afterward he is in his sleep, as in a day of keeping watch,
troubled in the vision of his heart, as if he were escaped out of a battle.
40:7 When all is safe,
he awaketh, and marvelleth that the fear was nothing.
40:8 [Such things happen]
unto all flesh, both man and beast, and that is sevenfold more upon sinners.
40:9 Death, and bloodshed,
strife, and sword, calamities, famine, tribulation, and the scourge;
40:10 These things are
created for the wicked, and for their sakes came the flood.
40:11 All things that
are of the earth shall turn to the earth again: and that which is of the waters
doth return into the sea.
40:12 All bribery and
injustice shall be blotted out: but true dealing shall endure for ever.
40:13 The goods of the
unjust shall be dried up like a river, and shall vanish with noise, like a great
thunder in rain.
40:14 While he openeth
his hand he shall rejoice: so shall transgressors come to nought.
40:15 The children of
the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches: but are as unclean roots upon
a hard rock.
40:16 The weed growing
upon every water and bank of a river shall be pulled up before all grass.
40:17 Bountifulness
is as a most fruitful garden, and mercifulness endureth for ever.
40:18 To labour, and
to be content with that a man hath, is a sweet life: but he that findeth a treasure
is above them both.
40:19 Children and the
building of a city continue a man's name: but a blameless wife is counted above
them both.
40:20 Wine and musick
rejoice the heart: but the love of wisdom is above them both.
40:21 The pipe and the
psaltery make sweet melody: but a pleasant tongue is above them both.
40:22 Thine eye desireth
favour and beauty: but more than both corn while it is green.
40:23 A friend and companion
never meet amiss: but above both is a wife with her husband.
40:24 Brethren and help
are against time of trouble: but alms shall deliver more than them both.
40:25 Gold and silver
make the foot stand sure: but counsel is esteemed above them both.
40:26 Riches and strength
lift up the heart: but the fear of the Lord is above them both: there is no
want in the fear of the Lord, and it needeth not to seek help.
40:27 The fear of the
Lord is a fruitful garden, and covereth him above all glory.
40:28 My son, lead not
a beggar's life; for better it is to die than to beg.
40:29 The life of him
that dependeth on another man's table is not to be counted for a life; for he
polluteth himself with other men's meat: but a wise man well nurtured will beware
thereof.
40:30 Begging is sweet
in the mouth of the shameless: but in his belly there shall burn a fire.
chapter 41
41:1 O death, how bitter
is the remembrance of thee to a man that liveth at rest in his possessions,
unto the man that hath nothing to vex him, and that hath prosperity in all things:
yea, unto him that is yet able to receive meat!
41:2 O death, acceptable
is thy sentence unto the needy, and unto him whose strength faileth, that is
now in the last age, and is vexed with all things, and to him that despaireth,
and hath lost patience!
41:3 Fear not the sentence
of death, remember them that have been before thee, and that come after; for
this is the sentence of the Lord over all flesh.
41:4 And why art thou
against the pleasure of the most High? there is no inquisition in the grave,
whether thou have lived ten, or an hundred, or a thousand years.
41:5 The children of
sinners are abominable children, and they that are conversant in the dwelling
of the ungodly.
41:6 The inheritance
of sinners' children shall perish, and their posterity shall have a perpetual
reproach.
41:7 The children will
complain of an ungodly father, because they shall be reproached for his sake.
41:8 Woe be unto you,
ungodly men, which have forsaken the law of the most high God! for if ye increase,
it shall be to your destruction:
41:9 And if ye be born,
ye shall be born to a curse: and if ye die, a curse shall be your portion.
41:10 All that are of
the earth shall turn to earth again: so the ungodly shall go from a curse to
destruction.
41:11 The mourning of
men is about their bodies: but an ill name of sinners shall be blotted out.
41:12 Have regard to
thy name; for that shall continue with thee above a thousand great treasures
of gold.
41:13 A good life hath
but few days: but a good name endureth for ever.
41:14 My children, keep
discipline in peace: for wisdom that is hid, and a treasure that is not seen,
what profit is in them both?
41:15 A man that hideth
his foolishness is better than a man that hideth his wisdom.
41:16 Therefore be shamefaced
according to my word: for it is not good to retain all shamefacedness; neither
is it altogether approved in every thing.
41:17 Be ashamed of
whoredom before father and mother: and of a lie before a prince and a mighty
man;
41:18 Of an offence
before a judge and ruler; of iniquity before a congregation and people; of unjust
dealing before thy partner and friend;
41:19 And of theft in
regard of the place where thou sojournest, and in regard of the truth of God
and his covenant; and to lean with thine elbow upon the meat; and of scorning
to give and take;
41:20 And of silence
before them that salute thee; and to look upon an harlot;
41:21 And to turn away
thy face from thy kinsman; or to take away a portion or a gift; or to gaze upon
another man's wife.
41:22 Or to be overbusy
with his maid, and come not near her bed; or of upbraiding speeches before friends;
and after thou hast given, upbraid not;
41:23 Or of iterating
and speaking again that which thou hast heard; and of revealing of secrets.
41:24 So shalt thou
be truly shamefaced and find favour before all men.
chapter 42
42:1 Of these things be
not thou ashamed, and accept no person to sin thereby:
42:2 Of the law of the
most High, and his covenant; and of judgment to justify the ungodly;
42:3 Of reckoning with
thy partners and travellers; or of the gift of the heritage of friends;
42:4 Of exactness of
balance and weights; or of getting much or little;
42:5 And of merchants'
indifferent selling; of much correction of children; and to make the side of
an evil servant to bleed.
42:6 Sure keeping is
good, where an evil wife is; and shut up, where many hands are.
42:7 Deliver all things
in number and weight; and put all in writing that thou givest out, or receivest
in.
42:8 Be not ashamed to
inform the unwise and foolish, and the extreme aged that contendeth with those
that are young: thus shalt thou be truly learned, and approved of all men living.
42:9 The father waketh
for the daughter, when no man knoweth; and the care for her taketh away sleep:
when she is young, lest she pass away the flower of her age; and being married,
lest she should be hated:
42:10 In her virginity,
lest she should be defiled and gotten with child in her father's house; and
having an husband, lest she should misbehave herself; and when she is married,
lest she should be barren.
42:11 Keep a sure watch
over a shameless daughter, lest she make thee a laughingstock to thine enemies,
and a byword in the city, and a reproach among the people, and make thee ashamed
before the multitude.
42:12 Behold not every
body's beauty, and sit not in the midst of women.
42:13 For from garments
cometh a moth, and from women wickedness.
42:14 Better is the
churlishness of a man than a courteous woman, a woman, I say, which bringeth
shame and reproach.
42:15 I will now remember
the works of the Lord, and declare the things that I have seen: In the words
of the Lord are his works.
42:16 The sun that giveth
light looketh upon all things, and the work thereof is full of the glory of
the Lord.
42:17 The Lord hath
not given power to the saints to declare all his marvellous works, which the
Almighty Lord firmly settled, that whatsoever is might be established for his
glory.
42:18 He seeketh out
the deep, and the heart, and considereth their crafty devices: for the Lord
knoweth all that may be known, and he beholdeth the signs of the world.
42:19 He declareth the
things that are past, and for to come, and revealeth the steps of hidden things.
42:20 No thought escapeth
him, neither any word is hidden from him.
42:21 He hath garnished
the excellent works of his wisdom, and he is from everlasting to everlasting:
unto him may nothing be added, neither can he be diminished, and he hath no
need of any counsellor.
42:22 Oh how desirable
are all his works! and that a man may see even to a spark.
42:23 All these things
live and remain for ever for all uses, and they are all obedient.
42:24 All things are
double one against another: and he hath made nothing imperfect.
42:25 One thing establisheth
the good or another: and who shall be filled with beholding his glory?
chapter 43
43:1 The pride of the height,
the clear firmament, the beauty of heaven, with his glorious shew;
43:2 The sun when it
appeareth, declaring at his rising a marvellous instrument, the work of the
most High:
43:3 At noon it parcheth
the country, and who can abide the burning heat thereof?
43:4 A man blowing a
furnace is in works of heat, but the sun burneth the mountains three times more;
breathing out fiery vapours, and sending forth bright beams, it dimmeth the
eyes.
43:5 Great is the Lord
that made it; and at his commandment runneth hastily.
43:6 He made the moon
also to serve in her season for a declaration of times, and a sign of the world.
43:7 From the moon is
the sign of feasts, a light that decreaseth in her perfection.
43:8 The month is called
after her name, increasing wonderfully in her changing, being an instrument
of the armies above, shining in the firmament of heaven;
43:9 The beauty of heaven,
the glory of the stars, an ornament giving light in the highest places of the
Lord.
43:10 At the commandment
of the Holy One they will stand in their order, and never faint in their watches.
43:11 Look upon the
rainbow, and praise him that made it; very beautiful it is in the brightness
thereof.
43:12 It compasseth
the heaven about with a glorious circle, and the hands of the most High have
bended it.
43:13 By his commandment
he maketh the snow to fall aplace, and sendeth swiftly the lightnings of his
judgment.
43:14 Through this the
treasures are opened: and clouds fly forth as fowls.
43:15 By his great power
he maketh the clouds firm, and the hailstones are broken small.
43:16 At his sight the
mountains are shaken, and at his will the south wind bloweth.
43:17 The noise of the
thunder maketh the earth to tremble: so doth the northern storm and the whirlwind:
as birds flying he scattereth the snow, and the falling down thereof is as the
lighting of grasshoppers:
43:18 The eye marvelleth
at the beauty of the whiteness thereof, and the heart is astonished at the raining
of it.
43:19 The hoarfrost
also as salt he poureth on the earth, and being congealed, it lieth on the top
of sharp stakes.
43:20 When the cold
north wind bloweth, and the water is congealed into ice, it abideth upon every
gathering together of water, and clotheth the water as with a breastplate.
43:21 It devoureth the
mountains, and burneth the wilderness, and consumeth the grass as fire.
43:22 A present remedy
of all is a mist coming speedily, a dew coming after heat refresheth.
43:23 By his counsel
he appeaseth the deep, and planteth islands therein.
43:24 They that sail
on the sea tell of the danger thereof; and when we hear it with our ears, we
marvel thereat.
43:25 For therein be
strange and wondrous works, variety of all kinds of beasts and whales created.
43:26 By him the end
of them hath prosperous success, and by his word all things consist.
43:27 We may speak much,
and yet come short: wherefore in sum, he is all.
43:28 How shall we be
able to magnify him? for he is great above all his works.
43:29 The Lord is terrible
and very great, and marvellous is his power.
43:30 When ye glorify
the Lord, exalt him as much as ye can; for even yet will he far exceed: and
when ye exalt him, put forth all your strength, and be not weary; for ye can
never go far enough.
43:31 Who hath seen
him, that he might tell us? and who can magnify him as he is?
43:32 There are yet
hid greater things than these be, for we have seen but a few of his works.
43:33 For the Lord hath
made all things; and to the godly hath he given wisdom.
chapter 44
44:1 Let us now praise
famous men, and our fathers that begat us.
44:2 The Lord hath wrought
great glory by them through his great power from the beginning.
44:3 Such as did bear
rule in their kingdoms, men renowned for their power, giving counsel by their
understanding, and declaring prophecies:
44:4 Leaders of the people
by their counsels, and by their knowledge of learning meet for the people, wise
and eloquent are their instructions:
44:5 Such as found out
musical tunes, and recited verses in writing:
44:6 Rich men furnished
with ability, living peaceably in their habitations:
44:7 All these were honoured
in their generations, and were the glory of their times.
44:8 There be of them,
that have left a name behind them, that their praises might be reported.
44:9 And some there be,
which have no memorial; who are perished, as though they had never been; and
are become as though they had never been born; and their children after them.
44:10 But these were
merciful men, whose righteousness hath not been forgotten.
44:11 With their seed
shall continually remain a good inheritance, and their children are within the
covenant.
44:12 Their seed standeth
fast, and their children for their sakes.
44:13 Their seed shall
remain for ever, and their glory shall not be blotted out.
44:14 Their bodies are
buried in peace; but their name liveth for evermore.
44:15 The people will
tell of their wisdom, and the congregation will shew forth their praise.
44:16 Enoch pleased
the Lord, and was translated, being an example of repentance to all generations.
44:17 Noah was found
perfect and righteous; in the time of wrath he was taken in exchange [for the
world;] therefore was he left as a remnant unto the earth, when the flood came.
44:18 An everlasting
covenant was made with him, that all flesh should perish no more by the flood.
44:19 Abraham was a
great father of many people: in glory was there none like unto him;
44:20 Who kept the law
of the most High, and was in covenant with him: he established the covenant
in his flesh; and when he was proved, he was found faithful.
44:21 Therefore he assured
him by an oath, that he would bless the nations in his seed, and that he would
multiply him as the dust of the earth, and exalt his seed as the stars, and
cause them to inherit from sea to sea, and from the river unto the utmost part
of the land.
44:22 With Isaac did
he establish likewise [for Abraham his father's sake] the blessing of all men,
and the covenant, And made it rest upon the head of Jacob. He acknowledged him
in his blessing, and gave him an heritage, and divided his portions; among the
twelve tribes did he part them.
chapter 45
45:1 And he brought out
of him a merciful man, which found favour in the sight of all flesh, even Moses,
beloved of God and men, whose memorial is blessed.
45:2 He made him like
to the glorious saints, and magnified him, so that his enemies stood in fear
of him.
45:3 By his words he
caused the wonders to cease, and he made him glorious in the sight of kings,
and gave him a commandment for his people, and shewed him part of his glory.
45:4 He sanctified him
in his faithfuless and meekness, and chose him out of all men.
45:5 He made him to hear
his voice, and brought him into the dark cloud, and gave him commandments before
his face, even the law of life and knowledge, that he might teach Jacob his
covenants, and Israel his judgments.
45:6 He exalted Aaron,
an holy man like unto him, even his brother, of the tribe of Levi.
45:7 An everlasting covenant
he made with him and gave him the priesthood among the people; he beautified
him with comely ornaments, and clothed him with a robe of glory.
45:8 He put upon him
perfect glory; and strengthened him with rich garments, with breeches, with
a long robe, and the ephod.
45:9 And he compassed
him with pomegranates, and with many golden bells round about, that as he went
there might be a sound, and a noise made that might be heard in the temple,
for a memorial to the children of his people;
45:10 With an holy garment,
with gold, and blue silk, and purple, the work of the embroidere, with a breastplate
of judgment, and with Urim and Thummim;
45:11 With twisted scarlet,
the work of the cunning workman, with precious stones graven like seals, and
set in gold, the work of the jeweller, with a writing engraved for a memorial,
after the number of the tribes of Israel.
45:12 He set a crown
of gold upon the mitre, wherein was engraved Holiness, an ornament of honour,
a costly work, the desires of the eyes, goodly and beautiful.
45:13 Before him there
were none such, neither did ever any stranger put them on, but only his children
and his children's children perpetually.
45:14 Their sacrifices
shall be wholly consumed every day twice continually.
45:15 Moses consecrated
him, and anointed him with holy oil: this was appointed unto him by an everlasting
covenant, and to his seed, so long as the heavens should remain, that they should
minister unto him, and execute the office of the priesthood, and bless the people
in his name.
45:16 He chose him out
of all men living to offer sacrifices to the Lord, incense, and a sweet savour,
for a memorial, to make reconciliation for his people.
45:17 He gave unto him
his commandments, and authority in the statutes of judgments, that he should
teach Jacob the testimonies, and inform Israel in his laws.
45:18 Strangers conspired
together against him, and maligned him in the wilderness, even the men that
were of Dathan's and Abiron's side, and the congregation of Core, with fury
and wrath.
45:19 This the Lord
saw, and it displeased him, and in his wrathful indignation were they consumed:
he did wonders upon them, to consume them with the fiery flame.
45:20 But he made Aaron
more honourable, and gave him an heritage, and divided unto him the firstfruits
of the increase; especially he prepared bread in abundance:
45:21 For they eat of
the sacrifices of the Lord, which he gave unto him and his seed.
45:22 Howbeit in the
land of the people he had no inheritance, neither had he any portion among the
people: for the Lord himself is his portion and inheritance.
45:23 The third in glory
is Phinees the son of Eleazar, because he had zeal in the fear of the Lord,
and stood up with good courage of heart: when the people were turned back, and
made reconciliation for Israel.
45:24 Therefore was
there a covenant of peace made with him, that he should be the chief of the
sanctuary and of his people, and that he and his posterity should have the dignity
of the priesthood for ever:
45:25 According to the
covenant made with David son of Jesse, of the tribe of Juda, that the inheritance
of the king should be to his posterity alone: so the inheritance of Aaron should
also be unto his seed.
45:26 God give you wisdom
in your heart to judge his people in righteousness, that their good things be
not abolished, and that their glory may endure for ever.
chapter 46
46:1 Jesus the son a Nave
was valiant in the wars, and was the successor of Moses in prophecies, who according
to his name was made great for the saving of the elect of God, and taking vengeance
of the enemies that rose up against them, that he might set Israel in their
inheritance.
46:2 How great glory
gat he, when he did lift up his hands, and stretched out his sword against the
cities!
46:3 Who before him so
stood to it? for the Lord himself brought his enemies unto him.
46:4 Did not the sun
go back by his means? and was not one day as long as two?
46:5 He called upon the
most high Lord, when the enemies pressed upon him on every side; and the great
Lord heard him.
46:6 And with hailstones
of mighty power he made the battle to fall violently upon the nations, and in
the descent [of Beth-horon] he destroyed them that resisted, that the nations
might know all their strength, because he fought in the sight of the Lord, and
he followed the Mighty One.
46:7 In the time of Moses
also he did a work of mercy, he and Caleb the son of Jephunne, in that they
withstood the congregation, and withheld the people from sin, and appeased the
wicked murmuring.
46:8 And of six hundred
thousand people on foot, they two were preserved to bring them in to the heritage,
even unto the land that floweth with milk and honey.
46:9 The Lord gave strength
also unto Caleb, which remained with him unto his old age: so that he entered
upon the high places of the land, and his seed obtained it for an heritage:
46:10 That all the children
of Israel might see that it is good to follow the Lord.
46:11 And concerning
the judges, every one by name, whose heart went not a whoring, nor departed
from the Lord, let their memory be blessed.
46:12 Let their bones
flourish out of their place, and let the name of them that were honoured be
continued upon their children.
46:13 Samuel, the prophet
of the Lord, beloved of his Lord, established a kingdom, and anointed princes
over his people.
46:14 By the law of
the Lord he judged the congregation, and the Lord had respect unto Jacob.
46:15 By his faithfulness
he was found a true prophet, and by his word he was known to be faithful in
vision.
46:16 He called upon
the mighty Lord, when his enemies pressed upon him on every side, when he offered
the sucking lamb.
46:17 And the Lord thundered
from heaven, and with a great noise made his voice to be heard.
46:18 And he destroyed
the rulers of the Tyrians, and all the princes cf the Philistines.
46:19 And before his
long sleep he made protestations in the sight of the Lord and his anointed,
I have not taken any man's goods, so much as a shoe: and no man did accuse him.
46:20 And after his
death he prophesied, and shewed the king his end, and lifted up his voice from
the earth in prophecy, to blot out the wickedness of the people.
chapter 47
47:1 And after him rose
up Nathan to prophesy in the time of David.
47:2 As is the fat taken
away from the peace offering, so was David chosen out of the children of Israel.
47:3 He played with lions
as with kids, and with bears as with lambs.
47:4 Slew he not a giant,
when he was yet but young? and did he not take away reproach from the people,
when he lifted up his hand with the stone in the sling, and beat down the boasting
of Goliath?
47:5 For he called upon
the most high Lord; and he gave him strength in his right hand to slay that
mighty warrior, and set up the horn of his people.
47:6 So the people honoured
him with ten thousands, and praised him in the blessings of the Lord, in that
he gave him a crown of glory.
47:7 For he destroyed
the enemies on every side, and brought to nought the Philistines his adversaries,
and brake their horn in sunder unto this day.
47:8 In all his works
he praised the Holy One most high with words of glory; with his whole heart
he sung songs, and loved him that made him.
47:9 He set singers also
before the altar, that by their voices they might make sweet melody, and daily
sing praises in their songs.
47:10 He beautified
their feasts, and set in order the solemn times until the end, that they might
praise his holy name, and that the temple might sound from morning.
47:11 The Lord took
away his sins, and exalted his horn for ever: he gave him a covenant of kings,
and a throne of glory in Israel.
47:12 After him rose
up a wise son, and for his sake he dwelt at large.
47:13 Solomon reigned
in a peaceable time, and was honoured; for God made all quiet round about him,
that he might build an house in his name, and prepare his sanctuary for ever.
47:14 How wise wast
thou in thy youth and, as a flood, filled with understanding!
47:15 Thy soul covered
the whole earth, and thou filledst it with dark parables.
47:16 Thy name went
far unto the islands; and for thy peace thou wast beloved.
47:17 The countries
marvelled at thee for thy songs, and proverbs, and parables, and interpretations.
47:18 By the name of
the Lord God, which is called the Lord God of Israel, thou didst gather gold
as tin and didst multiply silver as lead.
47:19 Thou didst bow
thy loins unto women, and by thy body thou wast brought into subjection.
47:20 Thou didst stain
thy honour, and pollute thy seed: so that thou broughtest wrath upon thy children,
and wast grieved for thy folly.
47:21 So the kingdom
was divided, and out of Ephraim ruled a rebellious kingdom.
47:22 But the Lord will
never leave off his mercy, neither shall any of his works perish, neither will
he abolish the posterity of his elect, and the seed of him that loveth him he
will not take away: wherefore he gave a remnant unto Jacob, and out of him a
root unto David.
47:23 Thus rested Solomon
with his fathers, and of his seed he left behind him Roboam, even the foolishness
of the people, and one that had no understanding, who turned away the people
through his counsel. There was also Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel
to sin, and shewed Ephraim the way of sin:
47:24 And their sins
were multiplied exceedingly, that they were driven out of the land.
47:25 For they sought
out all wickedness, till the vengeance came upon them.
chapter 48
48:1 Then stood up Elias
the prophet as fire, and his word burned like a lamp.
48:2 He brought a sore
famine upon them, and by his zeal he diminished their number.
48:3 By the word of the
Lord he shut up the heaven, and also three times brought down fire.
48:4 O Elias, how wast
thou honoured in thy wondrous deeds! and who may glory like unto thee!
48:5 Who didst raise
up a dead man from death, and his soul from the place of the dead, by the word
of the most High:
48:6 Who broughtest kings
to destruction, and honorable men from their bed:
48:7 Who heardest the
rebuke of the Lord in Sinai, and in Horeb the judgment of vengeance:
48:8 Who annointedst
kings to take revenge, and prophets to succeed after him:
48:9 Who was taken up
in a whirlwind of fire, and in a chariot of fiery horses:
48:10 Who wast ordained
for reproofs in their times, to pacify the wrath of the Lord's judgment, before
it brake forth into fury, and to turn the heart of the father unto the son,
and to restore the tribes of Jacob.
48:11 Blessed are they
that saw thee, and slept in love; for we shall surely live.
48:12 Elias it was,
who was covered with a whirlwind: and Eliseus was filled with his spirit: whilst
he lived, he was not moved with the presence of any prince, neither could any
bring him into subjection.
48:13 No word could
overcome him; and after his death his body prophesied.
48:14 He did wonders
in his life, and at his death were his works marvellous.
48:15 For all this the
people repented not, neither departed they from their sins, till they were spoiled
and carried out of their land, and were scattered through all the earth: yet
there remained a small people, and a ruler in the house of David:
48:16 Of whom some did
that which was pleasing to God, and some multiplied sins.
48:17 Ezekias fortified
his city, and brought in water into the midst thereof: he digged the hard rock
with iron, and made wells for waters.
48:18 In his time Sennacherib
came up, and sent Rabsaces, and lifted up his hand against Sion, and boasted
proudly.
48:19 Then trembled
their hearts and hands, and they were in pain, as women in travail.
48:20 But they called
upon the Lord which is merciful, and stretched out their hands toward him: and
immediately the Holy One heard them out of heaven, and delivered them by the
ministry of Esay.
48:21 He smote the host
of the Assyrians, and his angel destroyed them.
48:22 For Ezekias had
done the thing that pleased the Lord, and was strong in the ways of David his
father, as Esay the prophet, who was great and faithful in his vision, had commanded
him.
48:23 In his time the
sun went backward, and he lengthened the king's life.
48:24 He saw by an excellent
spirit what should come to pass at the last, and he comforted them that mourned
in Sion.
48:25 He shewed what
should come to pass for ever, and secret things or ever they came.
chapter 49
49:1 The remembrance of
Josias is like the composition of the perfume that is made by the art of the
apothecary: it is sweet as honey in all mouths, and as musick at a banquet of
wine.
49:2 He behaved himself
uprightly in the conversion of the people, and took away the abominations of
iniquity.
49:3 He directed his
heart unto the Lord, and in the time of the ungodly he established the worship
of God.
49:4 All, except David
and Ezekias and Josias, were defective: for they forsook the law of the most
High, even the kings of Juda failed.
49:5 Therefore he gave
their power unto others, and their glory to a strange nation.
49:6 They burnt the chosen
city of the sanctuary, and made the streets desolate, according to the prophecy
of Jeremias.
49:7 For they entreated
him evil, who nevertheless was a prophet, sanctified in his mother's womb, that
he might root out, and afflict, and destroy; and that he might build up also,
and plant.
49:8 It was Ezekiel who
saw the glorious vision, which was shewed him upon the chariot of the cherubims.
49:9 For he made mention
of the enemies under the figure of the rain, and directed them that went right.
49:10 And of the twelve
prophets let the memorial be blessed, and let their bones flourish again out
of their place: for they comforted Jacob, and delivered them by assured hope.
49:11 How shall we magnify
Zorobabel? even he was as a signet on the right hand:
49:12 So was Jesus the
son of Josedec: who in their time builded the house, and set up an holy temple
to the Lord, which was prepared for everlasting glory.
49:13 And among the
elect was Neemias, whose renown is great, who raised up for us the walls that
were fallen, and set up the gates and the bars, and raised up our ruins again.
49:14 But upon the earth
was no man created like Enoch; for he was taken from the earth.
49:15 Neither was there
a young man born like Joseph, a governor of his brethren, a stay of the people,
whose bones were regarded of the Lord.
49:16 Sem and Seth were
in great honour among men, and so was Adam above every living thing in creation.
chapter 50
50:1 Simon the high priest,
the son of Onias, who in his life repaired the house again, and in his days
fortified the temple:
50:2 And by him was built
from the foundation the double height, the high fortress of the wall about the
temple:
50:3 In his days the
cistern to receive water, being in compass as the sea, was covered with plates
of brass:
50:4 He took care of
the temple that it should not fall, and fortified the city against besieging:
50:5 How was he honoured
in the midst of the people in his coming out of the sanctuary!
50:6 He was as the morning
star in the midst of a cloud, and as the moon at the full:
50:7 As the sun shining
upon the temple of the most High, and as the rainbow giving light in the bright
clouds:
50:8 And as the flower
of roses in the spring of the year, as lilies by the rivers of waters, and as
the branches of the frankincense tree in the time of summer:
50:9 As fire and incense
in the censer, and as a vessel of beaten gold set with all manner of precious
stones:
50:10 And as a fair
olive tree budding forth fruit, and as a cypress tree which groweth up to the
clouds.
50:11 When he put on
the robe of honour, and was clothed with the perfection of glory, when he went
up to the holy altar, he made the garment of holiness honourable.
50:12 When he took the
portions out of the priests' hands, he himself stood by the hearth of the altar,
compassed about, as a young cedar in Libanus; and as palm trees compassed they
him round about.
50:13 So were all the
sons of Aaron in their glory, and the oblations of the Lord in their hands,
before all the congregation of Israel.
50:14 And finishing
the service at the altar, that he might adorn the offering of the most high
Almighty,
50:15 He stretched out
his hand to the cup, and poured of the blood of the grape, he poured out at
the foot of the altar a sweetsmelling savour unto the most high King of all.
50:16 Then shouted the
sons of Aaron, and sounded the silver trumpets, and made a great noise to be
heard, for a remembrance before the most High.
50:17 Then all the people
together hasted, and fell down to the earth upon their faces to worship their
Lord God Almighty, the most High.
50:18 The singers also
sang praises with their voices, with great variety of sounds was there made
sweet melody.
50:19 And the people
besought the Lord, the most High, by prayer before him that is merciful, till
the solemnity of the Lord was ended, and they had finished his service.
50:20 Then he went down,
and lifted up his hands over the whole congregation of the children of Israel,
to give the blessing of the Lord with his lips, and to rejoice in his name.
50:21 And they bowed
themselves down to worship the second time, that they might receive a blessing
from the most High.
50:22 Now therefore
bless ye the God of all, which only doeth wondrous things every where, which
exalteth our days from the womb, and dealeth with us according to his mercy.
50:23 He grant us joyfulness
of heart, and that peace may be in our days in Israel for ever:
50:24 That he would
confirm his mercy with us, and deliver us at his time!
50:25 There be two manner
of nations which my heart abhorreth, and the third is no nation:
50:26 They that sit
upon the mountain of Samaria, and they that dwell among the Philistines, and
that foolish people that dwell in Sichem.
50:27 Jesus the son
of Sirach of Jerusalem hath written in this book the instruction of understanding
and knowledge, who out of his heart poured forth wisdom.
50:28 Blessed is he
that shall be exercised in these things; and he that layeth them up in his heart
shall become wise.
50:29 For if he do them,
he shall be strong to all things: for the light of the Lord leadeth him, who
giveth wisdom to the godly. Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. Amen,
Amen.
chapter 51
51:1 [A Prayer of Jesus
the son of Sirach.] I will thank thee, O Lord and King, and praise thee, O God
my Saviour: I do give praise unto thy name:
51:2 For thou art my
defender and helper, and has preserved my body from destruction, and from the
snare of the slanderous tongue, and from the lips that forge lies, and has been
mine helper against mine adversaries:
51:3 And hast delivered
me, according to the multitude of they mercies and greatness of thy name, from
the teeth of them that were ready to devour me, and out of the hands of such
as sought after my life, and from the manifold afflictions which I had;
51:4 From the choking
of fire on every side, and from the midst of the fire which I kindled not;
51:5 From the depth of
the belly of hell, from an unclean tongue, and from lying words.
51:6 By an accusation
to the king from an unrighteous tongue my soul drew near even unto death, my
life was near to the hell beneath.
51:7 They compassed me
on every side, and there was no man to help me: I looked for the succour of
men, but there was none.
51:8 Then thought I upon
thy mercy, O Lord, and upon thy acts of old, how thou deliverest such as wait
for thee, and savest them out of the hands of the enemies.
51:9 Then lifted I up
my supplications from the earth, and prayed for deliverance from death.
51:10 I called upon
the Lord, the Father of my Lord, that he would not leave me in the days of my
trouble, and in the time of the proud, when there was no help.
51:11 I will praise
thy name continually, and will sing praises with thanksgiving; and so my prayer
was heard:
51:12 For thou savedst
me from destruction, and deliveredst me from the evil time: therefore will I
give thanks, and praise thee, and bless they name, O Lord.
51:13 When I was yet
young, or ever I went abroad, I desired wisdom openly in my prayer.
51:14 I prayed for her
before the temple, and will seek her out even to the end.
51:15 Even from the
flower till the grape was ripe hath my heart delighted in her: my foot went
the right way, from my youth up sought I after her.
51:16 I bowed down mine
ear a little, and received her, and gat much learning.
51:17 I profited therein,
therefore will I ascribe glory unto him that giveth me wisdom.
51:18 For I purposed
to do after her, and earnestly I followed that which is good; so shall I not
be confounded.
51:19 My soul hath wrestled
with her, and in my doings I was exact: I stretched forth my hands to the heaven
above, and bewailed my ignorances of her.
51:20 I directed my
soul unto her, and I found her in pureness: I have had my heart joined with
her from the beginning, therefore shall I not be foresaken.
51:21 My heart was troubled
in seeking her: therefore have I gotten a good possession.
51:22 The Lord hath
given me a tongue for my reward, and I will praise him therewith.
51:23 Draw near unto
me, ye unlearned, and dwell in the house of learning.
51:24 Wherefore are
ye slow, and what say ye to these things, seeing your souls are very thirsty?
51:25 I opened my mouth,
and said, Buy her for yourselves without money.
51:26 Put your neck
under the yoke, and let your soul receive instruction: she is hard at hand to
find.
51:27 Behold with your
eyes, how that I have but little labour, and have gotten unto me much rest.
51:28 Get learning with
a great sum of money, and get much gold by her.
51:29 Let your soul
rejoice in his mercy, and be not ashamed of his praise.
51:30 Work your work
betimes, and in his time he will give you your reward.