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.
19:1 A labouring man that 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.
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 the Lord is better than he that
leadeth his life without a guide.
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.
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 son 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 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?
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 the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 not, 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.]
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.
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 filled 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?
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?
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 good turn 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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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 apace, 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.
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.
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 embroiderer, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
[A Prayer of Jesus the son of Sirach.]
51:1 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 thy 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 thy
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.