English - Ecclesiasticus

CHAPTER1

1ThePrologueoftheWisdomofJesustheSonofSirach. Whereasmanyandgreatthingshavebeendeliveredunto usbythelawandtheprophets,andbyothersthathave followedtheirsteps,forthewhichthingsIsraeloughttobe commendedforlearningandwisdom;andwhereofnot onlythereadersmustneedsbecomeskilfulthemselves,but alsotheythatdesiretolearnbeabletoprofitthemwhich arewithout,bothbyspeakingandwriting:mygrandfather Jesus,whenhehadmuchgivenhimselftothereadingof thelaw,andtheprophets,andotherbooksofourfathers, andhadgottenthereingoodjudgment,wasdrawnonalso himselftowritesomethingpertainingtolearningand wisdom;totheintentthatthosewhicharedesiroustolearn, andareaddictedtothesethings,mightprofitmuchmorein livingaccordingtothelawWhereforeletmeintreatyouto readitwithfavourandattention,andtopardonus,wherein wemayseemtocomeshortofsomewords,whichwehave labouredtointerpretForthesamethingsutteredin Hebrew,andtranslatedintoanothertongue,havenotthe sameforceinthem:andnotonlythesethings,butthelaw itself,andtheprophets,andtherestofthebooks,haveno smalldifference,whentheyarespokenintheirown languageForintheeightandthirtiethyearcominginto Egypt,whenEuergeteswasking,andcontinuingthere sometime,Ifoundabookofnosmalllearning:thereforeI thoughtitmostnecessaryformetobestowsomediligence andtravailtointerpretit;usinggreatwatchfulnessandskill inthatspacetobringthebooktoanend,andsetitforthfor themalso,whichinastrangecountryarewillingtolearn, beingpreparedbeforeinmannerstoliveafterthelaw.All wisdomcomethfromtheLord,andiswithhimforever

2Whocannumberthesandofthesea,andthedropsof rain,andthedaysofeternity?

3Whocanfindouttheheightofheaven,andthebreadthof theearth,andthedeep,andwisdom?

4Wisdomhathbeencreatedbeforeallthings,andthe understandingofprudencefromeverlasting

5ThewordofGodmosthighisthefountainofwisdom; andherwaysareeverlastingcommandments.

6Towhomhaththerootofwisdombeenrevealed?orwho hathknownherwisecounsels?

7Untowhomhaththeknowledgeofwisdombeenmade manifest?andwhohathunderstoodhergreatexperience?

8Thereisonewiseandgreatlytobefeared,theLord sittinguponhisthrone.

9Hecreatedher,andsawher,andnumberedher,and pouredheroutuponallhisworks

10Sheiswithallfleshaccordingtohisgift,andhehath givenhertothemthatlovehim

11ThefearoftheLordishonour,andglory,andgladness, andacrownofrejoicing.

12ThefearoftheLordmakethamerryheart,andgiveth joy,andgladness,andalonglife

13WhosofeareththeLord,itshallgowellwithhimatthe last,andheshallfindfavourinthedayofhisdeath

14TofeartheLordisthebeginningofwisdom:anditwas createdwiththefaithfulinthewomb.

15Shehathbuiltaneverlastingfoundationwithmen,and sheshallcontinuewiththeirseed

16TofeartheLordisfulnessofwisdom,andfillethmen withherfruits

17Shefillethalltheirhousewiththingsdesirable,andthe garnerswithherincrease

18ThefearoftheLordisacrownofwisdom,making peaceandperfecthealthtoflourish;bothwhicharethe giftsofGod:anditenlargeththeirrejoicingthatlovehim 19Wisdomrainethdownskillandknowledgeof understandingstanding,andexalteththemtohonourthat holdherfast

20TherootofwisdomistofeartheLord,andthebranches thereofarelonglife

21ThefearoftheLorddrivethawaysins:andwhereitis present,itturnethawaywrath.

22Afuriousmancannotbejustified;fortheswayofhis furyshallbehisdestruction

23Apatientmanwilltearforatime,andafterwardjoy shallspringupuntohim

24Hewillhidehiswordsforatime,andthelipsofmany shalldeclarehiswisdom.

25Theparablesofknowledgeareinthetreasuresof wisdom:butgodlinessisanabominationtoasinner

26Ifthoudesirewisdom,keepthecommandments,andthe Lordshallgiveheruntothee

27ForthefearoftheLordiswisdomandinstruction:and faithandmeeknessarehisdelight.

28DistrustnotthefearoftheLordwhenthouartpoor:and comenotuntohimwithadoubleheart

29Benotanhypocriteinthesightofmen,andtakegood heedwhatthouspeakest

30Exaltnotthyself,lestthoufall,andbringdishonour uponthysoul,andsoGoddiscoverthysecrets,andcast theedowninthemidstofthecongregation,becausethou camestnotintruthtothefearoftheLord,butthyheartis fullofdeceit

CHAPTER2

1Myson,ifthoucometoservetheLord,preparethysoul fortemptation.

2Setthyheartaright,andconstantlyendure,andmakenot hasteintimeoftrouble

3Cleaveuntohim,anddepartnotaway,thatthoumayest beincreasedatthylastend

4Whatsoeverisbroughtupontheetakecheerfully,andbe patientwhenthouartchangedtoalowestate.

5Forgoldistriedinthefire,andacceptablemeninthe furnaceofadversity

6Believeinhim,andhewillhelpthee;orderthyway aright,andtrustinhim

7YethatfeartheLord,waitforhismercy;andgonot aside,lestyefall.

8YethatfeartheLord,believehim;andyourrewardshall notfail

9YethatfeartheLord,hopeforgood,andforeverlasting joyandmercy

10Lookatthegenerationsofold,andsee;dideverany trustintheLord,andwasconfounded?ordidanyabidein hisfear,andwasforsaken?orwhomdidheeverdespise, thatcalleduponhim?

11FortheLordisfullofcompassionandmercy, longsuffering,andverypitiful,andforgivethsins,and savethintimeofaffliction

12Woebetofearfulhearts,andfainthands,andthesinner thatgoethtwoways!

13Woeuntohimthatisfainthearted!forhebelievethnot; thereforeshallhenotbedefended

14Woeuntoyouthathavelostpatience!andwhatwillye dowhentheLordshallvisityou?

15TheythatfeartheLordwillnotdisobeyhisWord;and theythatlovehimwillkeephisways.

16TheythatfeartheLordwillseekthatwhichiswell, pleasinguntohim;andtheythatlovehimshallbefilled withthelaw.

17TheythatfeartheLordwillpreparetheirhearts,and humbletheirsoulsinhissight, 18Saying,WewillfallintothehandsoftheLord,andnot intothehandsofmen:forashismajestyis,soishismercy

CHAPTER3

1Hearmeyourfather,Ochildren,anddothereafter,that yemaybesafe.

2FortheLordhathgiventhefatherhonouroverthe children,andhathconfirmedtheauthorityofthemother overthesons.

3Whosohonourethhisfathermakethanatonementforhis sins:

4Andhethathonourethhismotherisasonethatlayethup treasure

5Whosohonourethhisfathershallhavejoyofhisown children;andwhenhemakethhisprayer,heshallbeheard.

6Hethathonourethhisfathershallhavealonglife;andhe thatisobedientuntotheLordshallbeacomforttohis mother

7HethatfeareththeLordwillhonourhisfather,andwill doserviceuntohisparents,astohismasters.

8Honourthyfatherandmotherbothinwordanddeed,that ablessingmaycomeupontheefromthem

9Fortheblessingofthefatherestablisheththehousesof children;butthecurseofthemotherrootethout foundations

10Glorynotinthedishonourofthyfather;forthyfather's dishonourisnogloryuntothee

11Forthegloryofamanisfromthehonourofhisfather; andamotherindishonourisareproachtothechildren.

12Myson,helpthyfatherinhisage,andgrievehimnotas longasheliveth

13Andifhisunderstandingfail,havepatiencewithhim; anddespisehimnotwhenthouartinthyfullstrength

14Fortherelievingofthyfathershallnotbeforgotten:and insteadofsinsitshallbeaddedtobuildtheeup.

15Inthedayofthineafflictionitshallberemembered;thy sinsalsoshallmeltaway,astheiceinthefairwarm weather.

16Hethatforsakethhisfatherisasablasphemer;andhe thatangerethhismotheriscursed:ofGod

17Myson,goonwiththybusinessinmeekness;soshalt thoubebelovedofhimthatisapproved

18Thegreaterthouart,themorehumblethyself,andthou shaltfindfavourbeforetheLord.

19Manyareinhighplace,andofrenown:butmysteries arerevealeduntothemeek

20ForthepoweroftheLordisgreat,andheishonoured ofthelowly

21Seeknotoutthingsthataretoohardforthee,neither searchthethingsthatareabovethystrength.

22Butwhatiscommandedthee,thinkthereuponwith reverence,foritisnotneedfulfortheetoseewiththine eyesthethingsthatareinsecret.

23Benotcuriousinunnecessarymatters:formorethings aresheweduntotheethanmenunderstand

24Formanyaredeceivedbytheirownvainopinion;and anevilsuspicionhathoverthrowntheirjudgment

25Withouteyesthoushaltwantlight:professnotthe knowledgethereforethatthouhastnot.

26Astubbornheartshallfareevilatthelast;andhethat lovethdangershallperishtherein

27Anobstinateheartshallbeladenwithsorrows;andthe wickedmanshallheapsinuponsin

28Inthepunishmentoftheproudthereisnoremedy;for theplantofwickednesshathtakenrootinhim.

29Theheartoftheprudentwillunderstandaparable;and anattentiveearisthedesireofawiseman

30Waterwillquenchaflamingfire;andalmsmakethan atonementforsins

31Andhethatrequitethgoodturnsismindfulofthat whichmaycomehereafter;andwhenhefalleth,heshall findastay

CHAPTER4

1Myson,defraudnotthepoorofhisliving,andmakenot theneedyeyestowaitlong.

2Makenotanhungrysoulsorrowful;neitherprovokea maninhisdistress

3Addnotmoretroubletoanheartthatisvexed;anddefer nottogivetohimthatisinneed

4Rejectnotthesupplicationoftheafflicted;neitherturn awaythyfacefromapoorman

5Turnnotawaythineeyefromtheneedy,andgivehim noneoccasiontocursethee:

6Forifhecursetheeinthebitternessofhissoul,his prayershallbeheardofhimthatmadehim

7Getthyselftheloveofthecongregation,andbowthy headtoagreatman

8Letitnotgrievetheetobowdownthineeartothepoor, andgivehimafriendlyanswerwithmeekness.

9Deliverhimthatsufferethwrongfromthehandofthe oppressor;andbenotfaintheartedwhenthousittestin judgment.

10Beasafatheruntothefatherless,andinsteadofan husbanduntotheirmother:soshaltthoubeasthesonof themostHigh,andheshalllovetheemorethanthymother doth

11Wisdomexaltethherchildren,andlayethholdofthem thatseekher.

12Hethatlovethherlovethlife;andtheythatseektoher earlyshallbefilledwithjoy

13Hethatholdethherfastshallinheritglory;and wheresoeversheentereth,theLordwillbless

14TheythatservehershallministertotheHolyOne:and themthatlovehertheLorddothlove.

15Whosogivethearuntohershalljudgethenations:and hethatattendethuntohershalldwellsecurely

16Ifamancommithimselfuntoher,heshallinherither; andhisgenerationshallholdherinpossession

17Foratthefirstshewillwalkwithhimbycrookedways, andbringfearanddreaduponhim,andtormenthimwith

herdiscipline,untilshemaytrusthissoul,andtryhimby herlaws

18Thenwillshereturnthestraightwayuntohim,and comforthim,andshewhimhersecrets

19Butifhegowrong,shewillforsakehim,andgivehim overtohisownruin.

20Observetheopportunity,andbewareofevil;andbenot ashamedwhenitconcerneththysoul

21Forthereisashamethatbringethsin;andthereisa shamewhichisgloryandgrace

22Acceptnopersonagainstthysoul,andletnotthe reverenceofanymancausetheetofall.

23Andrefrainnottospeak,whenthereisoccasiontodo good,andhidenotthywisdominherbeauty

24Forbyspeechwisdomshallbeknown:andlearningby thewordofthetongue

25Innowisespeakagainstthetruth;butbeabashedofthe errorofthineignorance.

26Benotashamedtoconfessthysins;andforcenotthe courseoftheriver

27Makenotthyselfanunderlingtoafoolishman;neither acceptthepersonofthemighty

28Striveforthetruthuntodeath,andtheLordshallfight forthee.

29Benothastyinthytongue,andinthydeedsslackand remiss

30Benotasalioninthyhouse,norfrantickamongthy servants

31Letnotthinehandbestretchedouttoreceive,andshut whenthoushouldestrepay

CHAPTER5

1Setnotthyheartuponthygoods;andsaynot,Ihave enoughformylife.

2Follownotthineownmindandthystrength,towalkin thewaysofthyheart:

3Andsaynot,Whoshallcontroulmeformyworks?for theLordwillsurelyrevengethypride

4Saynot,Ihavesinned,andwhatharmhathhappened untome?fortheLordislongsuffering,hewillinnowise lettheego

5Concerningpropitiation,benotwithoutfeartoaddsin untosin:

6AndsaynotHismercyisgreat;hewillbepacifiedfor themultitudeofmysins:formercyandwrathcomefrom him,andhisindignationrestethuponsinners.

7MakenotarryingtoturntotheLord,andputnotofffrom daytoday:forsuddenlyshallthewrathoftheLordcome forth,andinthysecuritythoushaltbedestroyed,and perishinthedayofvengeance

8Setnotthineheartupongoodsunjustlygotten,forthey shallnotprofittheeinthedayofcalamity.

9Winnownotwitheverywind,andgonotintoeveryway: forsodoththesinnerthathathadoubletongue

10Bestedfastinthyunderstanding;andletthywordbethe same

11Beswifttohear;andletthylifebesincere;andwith patiencegiveanswer.

12Ifthouhastunderstanding,answerthyneighbour;ifnot, laythyhanduponthymouth

13Honourandshameisintalk:andthetongueofmanis hisfall

14Benotcalledawhisperer,andlienotinwaitwiththy tongue:forafoulshameisuponthethief,andanevil condemnationuponthedoubletongue.

15Benotignorantofanythinginagreatmatterorasmall

CHAPTER6

1Insteadofafriendbecomenotanenemy;forthereby thoushaltinheritanillname,shame,andreproach:evenso shallasinnerthathathadoubletongue

2Extolnotthyselfinthecounselofthineownheart;that thysoulbenottorninpiecesasabullstrayingalone.

3Thoushalteatupthyleaves,andlosethyfruit,andleave thyselfasadrytree

4Awickedsoulshalldestroyhimthathathit,andshall makehimtobelaughedtoscornofhisenemies

5Sweetlanguagewillmultiplyfriends:andafairspeaking tonguewillincreasekindgreetings.

6Beinpeacewithmany:neverthelesshavebutone counsellorofathousand

7Ifthouwouldestgetafriend,provehimfirstandbenot hastytocredithim

8Forsomemanisafriendforhisownoccasion,andwill notabideinthedayofthytrouble.

9Andthereisafriend,whobeingturnedtoenmity,and strifewilldiscoverthyreproach

10Again,somefriendisacompanionatthetable,andwill notcontinueinthedayofthyaffliction

11Butinthyprosperityhewillbeasthyself,andwillbe boldoverthyservants

12Ifthoubebroughtlow,hewillbeagainstthee,andwill hidehimselffromthyface.

13Separatethyselffromthineenemies,andtakeheedof thyfriends

14Afaithfullfriendisastrongdefence:andhethathath foundsuchanonehathfoundatreasure.

15Nothingdothcountervailafaithfulfriend,andhis excellencyisinvaluable.

16Afaithfulfriendisthemedicineoflife;andtheythat feartheLordshallfindhim

17WhosofeareththeLordshalldirecthisfriendshiparight: forasheis,soshallhisneighbourbealso

18Myson,gatherinstructionfromthyyouthup:soshalt thoufindwisdomtillthineoldage.

19Comeuntoherasonethatplowethandsoweth,andwait forhergoodfruits:forthoushaltnottoilmuchinlabouring abouther,butthoushalteatofherfruitsrightsoon.

20Sheisveryunpleasanttotheunlearned:hethatis withoutunderstandingwillnotremainwithher

21Shewilllieuponhimasamightystoneoftrial;andhe willcastherfromhimereitbelong

22Forwisdomisaccordingtohername,andsheisnot manifestuntomany.

23Giveear,myson,receivemyadvice,andrefusenotmy counsel,

24Andputthyfeetintoherfetters,andthyneckintoher chain

25Bowdownthyshoulder,andbearher,andbenot grievedwithherbonds.

26Comeuntoherwiththywholeheart,andkeepherways withallthypower

27Search,andseek,andsheshallbemadeknownunto thee:andwhenthouhastgotholdofher,lethernotgo

28Foratthelastthoushaltfindherrest,andthatshallbe turnedtothyjoy

29Thenshallherfettersbeastrongdefenceforthee,and herchainsarobeofglory

30Forthereisagoldenornamentuponher,andherbands arepurplelace.

31Thoushaltputheronasarobeofhonour,andshaltput herabouttheeasacrownofjoy

32Myson,ifthouwilt,thoushaltbetaught:andifthou wiltapplythymind,thoushaltbeprudent

33Ifthoulovetohear,thoushaltreceiveunderstanding: andifthoubowthineear,thoushaltbewise, 34Standinthemultitudeoftheelders;andcleaveunto himthatiswise

35Bewillingtoheareverygodlydiscourse;andletnotthe parablesofunderstandingescapethee

36Andifthouseestamanofunderstanding,getthee betimesuntohim,andletthyfootwearthestepsofhis door

37LetthymindbeupontheordinancesoftheLordand meditatecontinuallyinhiscommandments:heshall establishthineheart,andgivetheewisdomatthineowns desire.

CHAPTER7

1Donoevil,soshallnoharmcomeuntothee.

2Departfromtheunjust,andiniquityshallturnawayfrom thee

3Myson,sownotuponthefurrowsofunrighteousness, andthoushaltnotreapthemsevenfold

4SeeknotoftheLordpreeminence,neitherofthekingthe seatofhonour

5JustifynotthyselfbeforetheLord;andboastnotofthy wisdombeforetheking.

6Seeknottobejudge,beingnotabletotakeawayiniquity; lestatanytimethoufearthepersonofthemighty,an stumblingblockinthewayofthyuprightness.

7Offendnotagainstthemultitudeofacity,andthenthou shaltnotcastthyselfdownamongthepeople

8Bindnotonesinuponanother;forinonethoushaltnot beunpunished

9Saynot,Godwilllookuponthemultitudeofmy oblations,andwhenIoffertothemosthighGod,hewill acceptit

10Benotfaintheartedwhenthoumakestthyprayer,and neglectnottogivealms.

11Laughnomantoscorninthebitternessofhissoul:for thereisonewhichhumblethandexalteth

12Devisenotalieagainstthybrother;neitherdothelike tothyfriend

13Usenottomakeanymanneroflie:forthecustom thereofisnotgood.

14Usenotmanywordsinamultitudeofelders,andmake notmuchbabblingwhenthouprayest

15Hatenotlaboriouswork,neitherhusbandry,whichthe mostHighhathordained

16Numbernotthyselfamongthemultitudeofsinners,but rememberthatwrathwillnottarrylong.

17Humblethyselfgreatly:forthevengeanceofthe ungodlyisfireandworms

18Changenotafriendforanygoodbynomeans;neithera faithfulbrotherforthegoldofOphir

19Foregonotawiseandgoodwoman:forhergraceis abovegold

20Whereasthyservantworkethtruly,entreathimnotevil, northehirelingthatbestowethhimselfwhollyforthee 21Letthysoulloveagoodservant,anddefraudhimnotof liberty.

22Hastthoucattle?haveaneyetothem:andiftheybefor thyprofit,keepthemwiththee

23Hastthouchildren?instructthem,andbowdowntheir neckfromtheiryouth

24Hastthoudaughters?haveacareoftheirbody,and shewnotthyselfcheerfultowardthem.

25Marrythydaughter,andsoshaltthouhaveperformeda weightymatter:butgivehertoamanofunderstanding 26Hastthouawifeafterthymind?forsakehernot:but givenotthyselfovertoalightwoman

27Honourthyfatherwiththywholeheart,andforgetnot thesorrowsofthymother.

28Rememberthatthouwastbegottenofthem;andhow canstthourecompensethemthethingsthattheyhavedone forthee?

29FeartheLordwithallthysoul,andreverencehispriests 30Lovehimthatmadetheewithallthystrength,and forsakenothisministers.

31FeartheLord,andhonorthepriest;andgivehimhis portion,asitiscommandedthee;thefirstfruits,andthe trespassoffering,andthegiftoftheshoulders,andthe sacrificeofsanctification,andthefirstfruitsoftheholy things

32Andstretchthinehanduntothepoor,thatthyblessing maybeperfected 33Agifthathgraceinthesightofeverymanliving;and forthedeaddetainitnot 34Failnottobewiththemthatweep,andmournwith themthatmourn.

35Benotslowtovisitthesick:forthatshallmaketheeto bebeloved 36Whatsoeverthoutakestinhand,remembertheend,and thoushaltneverdoamiss

CHAPTER8

1Strivenotwithamightyman'lestthoufallintohishands

2Benotatvariancewitharichman,lestheoverweigh thee:forgoldhathdestroyedmany,andpervertedthe heartsofkings

3Strivenotwithamanthatisfulloftongue,andheapnot wooduponhisfire

4Jestnotwitharudeman,lestthyancestorsbedisgraced 5Reproachnotamanthatturnethfromsin,butremember thatweareallworthyofpunishment

6Dishonournotamaninhisoldage:forevensomeofus waxold.

7Rejoicenotoverthygreatestenemybeingdead,but rememberthatwedieall

8Despisenotthediscourseofthewise,butacquaint thyselfwiththeirproverbs:forofthemthoushaltlearn instruction,andhowtoservegreatmenwithease

9Missnotthediscourseoftheelders:fortheyalsolearned oftheirfathers,andofthemthoushaltlearnunderstanding, andtogiveanswerasneedrequireth

10Kindlenotthecoalsofasinner,lestthoubeburntwith theflameofhisfire

11Risenotupinangeratthepresenceofaninjurious person,lesthelieinwaittoentraptheeinthywords

12Lendnotuntohimthatismightierthanthyself;forif thoulendesthim,countitbutlost

13Benotsuretyabovethypower:forifthoubesurety, takecaretopayit.

14Gonottolawwithajudge;fortheywilljudgeforhim accordingtohishonour

15Travelnotbythewaywithaboldfellow,lesthe becomegrievousuntothee:forhewilldoaccordingtohis ownwill,andthoushaltperishwithhimthroughhisfolly

16Strivenotwithanangryman,andgonotwithhiminto asolitaryplace:forbloodisasnothinginhissight,and wherethereisnohelp,hewilloverthrowthee

17Consultnotwithafool;forhecannotkeepcounsel.

18Donosecretthingbeforeastranger;forthouknowest notwhathewillbringforth

19Opennotthinehearttoeveryman,lestherequitethee withashrewdturn

CHAPTER9

1Benotjealousoverthewifeofthybosom,andteachher notanevillessonagainstthyself.

2Givenotthysouluntoawomantosetherfootuponthy substance

3Meetnotwithanharlot,lestthoufallintohersnares.

4Usenotmuchthecompanyofawomanthatisasinger, lestthoubetakenwithherattempts

5Gazenotonamaid,thatthoufallnotbythosethingsthat arepreciousinher

6Givenotthysouluntoharlots,thatthoulosenotthine inheritance

7Looknotroundabouttheeinthestreetsofthecity, neitherwanderthouinthesolitaryplacethereof.

8Turnawaythineeyefromabeautifulwoman,andlook notuponanother'sbeauty;formanyhavebeendeceivedby thebeautyofawoman;forherewithloveiskindledasa fire

9Sitnotatallwithanotherman'swife,norsitdownwith herinthinearms,andspendnotthymoneywithheratthe wine;lestthineheartinclineuntoher,andsothroughthy desirethoufallintodestruction

10Forsakenotanoldfriend;forthenewisnotcomparable tohim:anewfriendisasnewwine;whenitisold,thou shaltdrinkitwithpleasure

11Envynotthegloryofasinner:forthouknowestnot whatshallbehisend

12Delightnotinthethingthattheungodlyhavepleasure in;butremembertheyshallnotgounpunisheduntotheir grave

13Keeptheefarfromthemanthathathpowertokill;so shaltthounotdoubtthefearofdeath:andifthoucome untohim,makenofault,lesthetakeawaythylife presently:rememberthatthougoestinthemidstofsnares, andthatthouwalkestuponthebattlementsofthecity.

14Asnearasthoucanst,guessatthyneighbour,and consultwiththewise

15Letthytalkbewiththewise,andallthycommunication inthelawofthemostHigh

16Andletjustmeneatanddrinkwiththee;andletthy gloryingbeinthefearoftheLord.

17Forthehandoftheartificertheworkshallbe commended:andthewiserulerofthepeopleforhisspeech 18Amanofanilltongueisdangerousinhiscity;andhe thatisrashinhistalkshallbehated

CHAPTER10

1Awisejudgewillinstructhispeople;andthegovernment ofaprudentmaniswellordered.

2Asthejudgeofthepeopleishimself,soarehisofficers; andwhatmannerofmantherulerofthecityis,suchareall theythatdwelltherein.

3Anunwisekingdestroyethhispeople;butthroughthe prudenceofthemwhichareinauthoritythecityshallbe inhabited.

4ThepoweroftheearthisinthehandoftheLord,andin duetimehewillsetoveritonethatisprofitable

5InthehandofGodistheprosperityofman:anduponthe personofthescribeshallhelayhishonour

6Bearnothatredtothyneighbourforeverywrong;anddo nothingatallbyinjuriouspractices.

7PrideishatefulbeforeGodandman:andbybothdoth onecommitiniquity.

8Becauseofunrighteousdealings,injuries,andrichesgot bydeceit,thekingdomistranslatedfromonepeopleto another

9Whyisearthandashesproud?Thereisnotamore wickedthingthanacovetousman:forsuchanonesetteth hisownsoultosale;becausewhilehelivethhecasteth awayhisbowels

10Thephysiciancuttethoffalongdisease;andhethatis todayakingtomorrowshalldie.

11Forwhenamanisdead,heshallinheritcreepingthings, beasts,andworms

12ThebeginningofprideiswhenonedepartethfromGod, andhisheartisturnedawayfromhisMaker.

13Forprideisthebeginningofsin,andhethathathitshall pouroutabomination:andthereforetheLordbroughtupon themstrangecalamities,andoverthrewthemutterly

14TheLordhathcastdownthethronesofproudprinces, andsetupthemeekintheirstead.

15TheLordhathpluckeduptherootsoftheproudnations, andplantedthelowlyintheirplace

16TheLordoverthrewcountriesoftheheathen,and destroyedthemtothefoundationsoftheearth

17Hetooksomeofthemaway,anddestroyedthem,and hathmadetheirmemorialtoceasefromtheearth.

18Pridewasnotmadeformen,norfuriousangerforthem thatarebornofawoman

19TheythatfeartheLordareasureseed,andtheythat lovehimanhonourableplant:theythatregardnotthelaw areadishonourableseed;theythattransgressthe commandmentsareadeceivableseed.

20Amongbrethrenhethatischiefishonorable;soare theythatfeartheLordinhiseyes

21ThefearoftheLordgoethbeforetheobtainingof authority:butroughnessandprideisthelosingthereof 22Whetherheberich,noble,orpoor,theirgloryisthe fearoftheLord.

23Itisnotmeettodespisethepoormanthathath understanding;neitherisitconvenienttomagnifyasinful man.

24Greatmen,andjudges,andpotentates,shallbe honoured;yetistherenoneofthemgreaterthanhethat feareththeLord.

25Untotheservantthatiswiseshalltheythatarefreedo service:andhethathathknowledgewillnotgrudgewhen heisreformed.

26Benotoverwiseindoingthybusiness;andboastnot thyselfinthetimeofthydistress

27Betterishethatlaboureth,andaboundethinallthings, thanhethatboastethhimself,andwantethbread

28Myson,glorifythysoulinmeekness,andgiveit honouraccordingtothedignitythereof.

29Whowilljustifyhimthatsinnethagainsthisownsoul? andwhowillhonourhimthatdishonourethhisownlife?

30Thepoormanishonouredforhisskill,andtherichman ishonouredforhisriches

31Hethatishonouredinpoverty,howmuchmorein riches?andhethatisdishonourableinriches,howmuch moreinpoverty?

CHAPTER11

1Wisdomliftethuptheheadofhimthatisoflowdegree, andmakethhimtositamonggreatmen.

2Commendnotamanforhisbeauty;neitherabhoraman forhisoutwardappearance

3Thebeeislittleamongsuchasfly;butherfruitisthe chiefofsweetthings

4Boastnotofthyclothingandraiment,andexaltnot thyselfinthedayofhonour:fortheworksoftheLordare wonderful,andhisworksamongmenarehidden

5Manykingshavesatdownupontheground;andonethat wasneverthoughtofhathwornthecrown

6Manymightymenhavebeengreatlydisgraced;andthe honourabledeliveredintoothermen'shands.

7Blamenotbeforethouhastexaminedthetruth: understandfirst,andthenrebuke

8Answernotbeforethouhastheardthecause:neither interruptmeninthemidstoftheirtalk

9Strivenotinamatterthatconcerneththeenot;andsitnot injudgmentwithsinners.

10Myson,meddlenotwithmanymatters:forifthou meddlemuch,thoushaltnotbeinnocent;andifthou followafter,thoushaltnotobtain,neithershaltthouescape byfleeing

11Thereisonethatlaboureth,andtakethpains,and makethhaste,andissomuchthemorebehind.

12Again,thereisanotherthatisslow,andhathneedof help,wantingability,andfullofpoverty;yettheeyeofthe Lordlookeduponhimforgood,andsethimupfromhis lowestate,

13Andlifteduphisheadfrommisery;sothatmanythat sawitmarvelledathim.

14Prosperityandadversity,lifeanddeath,povertyand riches,comeoftheLord

15Wisdom,knowledge,andunderstandingofthelaw,are oftheLord:love,andthewayofgoodworks,arefromhim

16Erroranddarknesshadtheirbeginningtogetherwith sinners:andevilshallwaxoldwiththemthatglorytherein.

17ThegiftoftheLordremainethwiththegodly,andhis favourbringethprosperityforever

18Thereisthatwaxethrichbyhiswarinessandpinching, andthishistheportionofhisreward:

19Whereashesaith,Ihavefoundrest,andnowwilleat continuallyofmygoods;andyetheknowethnotwhattime shallcomeuponhim,andthathemustleavethosethingsto others,anddie

20Bestedfastinthycovenant,andbeconversanttherein, andwaxoldinthywork.

21Marvelnotattheworksofsinners;buttrustintheLord, andabideinthylabour:foritisaneasythinginthesight oftheLordonthesuddentomakeapoormanrich.

22TheblessingoftheLordisintherewardofthegodly, andsuddenlyhemakethhisblessingflourish

23Saynot,Whatprofitisthereofmyservice?andwhat goodthingsshallIhavehereafter?

24Again,saynot,Ihaveenough,andpossessmanythings, andwhatevilshallIhavehereafter?

25Inthedayofprosperitythereisaforgetfulnessof affliction:andinthedayofafflictionthereisnomore remembranceofprosperity.

26ForitisaneasythinguntotheLordinthedayofdeath torewardamanaccordingtohisways

27Theafflictionofanhourmakethamanforgetpleasure: andinhisendhisdeedsshallbediscovered

28Judgenoneblessedbeforehisdeath:foramanshallbe knowninhischildren.

29Bringnoteverymanintothinehouse:forthedeceitful manhathmanytrains

30Likeasapartridgetakenandkeptinacage,soisthe heartoftheproud;andlikeasaspy,watchethheforthy fall:

31Forheliethinwait,andturnethgoodintoevil,andin thingsworthypraisewilllayblameuponthee

32Ofasparkoffireaheapofcoalsiskindled:andasinful manlayethwaitforblood

33Takeheedofamischievousman,forheworketh wickedness;lesthebringupontheeaperpetualblot.

34Receiveastrangerintothinehouse,andhewilldisturb thee,andturntheeoutofthineown

CHAPTER12

1Whenthouwiltdogoodknowtowhomthoudoestit;so shaltthoubethankedforthybenefits

2Dogoodtothegodlyman,andthoushaltfinda recompence;andifnotfromhim,yetfromthemostHigh.

3Therecannogoodcometohimthatisalwaysoccupied inevil,nortohimthatgivethnoalms

4Givetothegodlyman,andhelpnotasinner.

5Dowelluntohimthatislowly,butgivenottothe ungodly:holdbackthybread,andgiveitnotuntohim,lest heovermastertheethereby:forelsethoushaltreceive twiceasmuchevilforallthegoodthoushalthavedone untohim

6ForthemostHighhatethsinners,andwillrepay vengeanceuntotheungodly,andkeepeththemagainstthe mightydayoftheirpunishment

7Giveuntothegood,andhelpnotthesinner.

8Afriendcannotbeknowninprosperity:andanenemy cannotbehiddeninadversity

9Intheprosperityofamanenemieswillbegrieved:butin hisadversityevenafriendwilldepart

10Nevertrustthineenemy:forlikeasironrusteth,sois hiswickedness.

11Thoughhehumblehimself,andgocrouching,yettake goodheedandbewareofhim,andthoushaltbeuntohim asifthouhadstwipedalookingglass,andthoushaltknow thathisrusthathnotbeenaltogetherwipedaway

12Sethimnotbythee,lest,whenhehathoverthrownthee, hestandupinthyplace;neitherlethimsitatthyrighthand, lestheseektotakethyseat,andthouatthelastremember mywords,andbeprickedtherewith

13Whowillpityacharmerthatisbittenwithaserpent,or anysuchascomenighwildbeasts?

14Soonethatgoethtoasinner,andisdefiledwithhimin hissins,whowillpity?

15Forawhilehewillabidewiththee,butifthoubeginto fall,hewillnottarry

16Anenemyspeakethsweetlywithhislips,butinhis heartheimaginethhowtothrowtheeintoapit:hewill weepwithhiseyes,butifhefindopportunity,hewillnot besatisfiedwithblood.

17Ifadversitycomeuponthee,thoushaltfindhimthere first;andthoughhepretendtohelpthee,yetshallhe underminethee.

18Hewillshakehishead,andclaphishands,andwhisper much,andchangehiscountenance.

CHAPTER13

1Hethattouchethpitchshallbedefiledtherewith;andhe thathathfellowshipwithaproudmanshallbelikeunto him

2Burdennotthyselfabovethypowerwhilethoulivest; andhavenofellowshipwithonethatismightierandricher thanthyself:forhowagreethekettleandtheearthenpot together?foriftheonebesmittenagainsttheother,itshall bebroken

3Therichmanhathdonewrong,andyethethreateneth withal:thepooriswronged,andhemustintreatalso.

4Ifthoubeforhisprofit,hewillusethee:butifthouhave nothing,hewillforsakethee.

5Ifthouhaveanything,hewilllivewiththee:yea,hewill maketheebare,andwillnotbesorryforit

6Ifhehaveneedofthee,hewilldeceivethee,andsmile uponthee,andputtheeinhope;hewillspeaktheefair,and say,Whatwantestthou?

7Andhewillshametheebyhismeats,untilhehavedrawn theedrytwiceorthrice,andatthelasthewilllaughtheeto scornafterward,whenheseeththee,hewillforsakethee, andshakehisheadatthee.

8Bewarethatthoubenotdeceivedandbroughtdownin thyjollity

9Ifthoubeinvitedofamightyman,withdrawthyself,and somuchthemorewillheinvitethee

10Pressthounotuponhim,lestthoubeputback;stand notfaroff,lestthoubeforgotten.

11Affectnottobemadeequaluntohimintalk,and believenothismanywords:forwithmuchcommunication willhetemptthee,andsmilingupontheewillgetoutthy secrets:

12Butcruellyhewilllayupthywords,andwillnotspare todotheehurt,andtoputtheeinprison.

13Observe,andtakegoodheed,forthouwalkestinperil ofthyoverthrowing:whenthouhearestthesethings,awake inthysleep.

14LovetheLordallthylife,andcalluponhimforthy salvation

15Everybeastlovethhislike,andeverymanlovethhis neighbor

16Allfleshconsortethaccordingtokind,andamanwill cleavetohislike.

17Whatfellowshiphaththewolfwiththelamb?sothe sinnerwiththegodly

18Whatagreementistherebetweenthehyenaandadog? andwhatpeacebetweentherichandthepoor?

19Asthewildassisthelion'spreyinthewilderness:so thericheatupthepoor.

20Astheproudhatehumility:sodoththerichabhorthe poor

21Arichmanbeginningtofallisheldupofhisfriends: butapoormanbeingdownisthrustawaybyhisfriends

22Whenarichmanisfallen,hehathmanyhelpers:he speakeththingsnottobespoken,andyetmenjustifyhim: thepoormanslipped,andyettheyrebukedhimtoo;he spakewisely,andcouldhavenoplace

23Whenarichmanspeaketh,everymanholdethhis tongue,and,look,whathesaith,theyextolittotheclouds: butifthepoormanspeak,theysay,Whatfellowisthis? andifhestumble,theywillhelptooverthrowhim.

24Richesaregooduntohimthathathnosin,andpoverty isevilinthemouthoftheungodly

25Theheartofamanchangethhiscountenance,whetherit beforgoodorevil:andamerryheartmakethacheerful countenance

26Acheerfulcountenanceisatokenofaheartthatisin prosperity;andthefindingoutofparablesisawearisome labourofthemind.

CHAPTER14

1Blessedisthemanthathathnotslippedwithhismouth, andisnotprickedwiththemultitudeofsins

2Blessedishewhoseconsciencehathnotcondemnedhim, andwhoisnotfallenfromhishopeintheLord

3Richesarenotcomelyforaniggard:andwhatshouldan enviousmandowithmoney?

4Hethatgatherethbydefraudinghisownsoulgathereth forothers,thatshallspendhisgoodsriotously 5Hethatiseviltohimself,towhomwillhebegood?he shallnottakepleasureinhisgoods

6Thereisnoneworsethanhethatenviethhimself;andthis isarecompenceofhiswickedness.

7Andifhedoethgood,hedoethitunwillingly;andatthe lasthewilldeclarehiswickedness

8Theenviousmanhathawickedeye;heturnethawayhis face,anddespisethmen

9Acovetousman'seyeisnotsatisfiedwithhisportion; andtheiniquityofthewickeddriethuphissoul.

10Awickedeyeenviethhisbread,andheisaniggardat histable

11Myson,accordingtothyabilitydogoodtothyself,and givetheLordhisdueoffering

12Rememberthatdeathwillnotbelongincoming,and thatthecovenantofthegraveisnotsheweduntothee.

13Dogooduntothyfriendbeforethoudie,andaccording tothyabilitystretchoutthyhandandgivetohim

14Defraudnotthyselfofthegoodday,andletnotthepart ofagooddesireoverpassthee

15Shaltthounotleavethytravailsuntoanother?andthy labourstobedividedbylot?

16Give,andtake,andsanctifythysoul;forthereisno seekingofdaintiesinthegrave

17Allfleshwaxetholdasagarment:forthecovenantfrom thebeginningis,Thoushaltdiethedeath.

18Asofthegreenleavesonathicktree,somefall,and somegrow;soisthegenerationoffleshandblood,one comethtoanend,andanotherisborn.

19Everyworkrottethandconsumethaway,andthe workerthereofshallgowithal

20Blessedisthemanthatdothmeditategoodthingsin wisdom,andthatreasonethofholythingsbyhis understanding

21Hethatconsiderethherwaysinhisheartshallalsohave understandinginhersecrets

22Goafterherasonethattraceth,andlieinwaitinher ways.

23Hethatpriethinatherwindowsshallalsohearkenat herdoors

24Hethatdothlodgenearherhouseshallalsofastenapin inherwalls

25Heshallpitchhistentnighuntoher,andshalllodgeina lodgingwheregoodthingsare.

26Heshallsethischildrenunderhershelter,andshall lodgeunderherbranches

27Byherheshallbecoveredfromheat,andinherglory shallhedwell

CHAPTER15

1HethatfeareththeLordwilldogood,andhethathath theknowledgeofthelawshallobtainher

2Andasamothershallshemeethim,andreceivehimasa wifemarriedofavirgin.

3Withthebreadofunderstandingshallshefeedhim,and givehimthewaterofwisdomtodrink

4Heshallbestayeduponher,andshallnotbemoved;and shallrelyuponher,andshallnotbeconfounded

5Sheshallexalthimabovehisneighbours,andinthe midstofthecongregationshallsheopenhismouth.

6Heshallfindjoyandacrownofgladness,andsheshall causehimtoinheritaneverlastingname

7Butfoolishmenshallnotattainuntoher,andsinners shallnotseeher

8Forsheisfarfrompride,andmenthatareliarscannot rememberher.

9Praiseisnotseemlyinthemouthofasinner,foritwas notsenthimoftheLord

10Forpraiseshallbeutteredinwisdom,andtheLordwill prosperit

11Saynotthou,ItisthroughtheLordthatIfellaway:for thououghtestnottodothethingsthathehateth.

12Saynotthou,Hehathcausedmetoerr:forhehathno needofthesinfulman

13TheLordhatethallabomination;andtheythatfearGod loveitnot

14Hehimselfmademanfromthebeginning,andlefthim inthehandofhiscounsel;

15Ifthouwilt,tokeepthecommandments,andtoperform acceptablefaithfulness

16Hehathsetfireandwaterbeforethee:stretchforththy handuntowhetherthouwilt

17Beforemanislifeanddeath;andwhetherhimliketh shallbegivenhim

18ForthewisdomoftheLordisgreat,andheismightyin power,andbeholdethallthings:

19Andhiseyesareuponthemthatfearhim,andhe knowetheveryworkofman.

20Hehathcommandednomantodowickedly,neither hathhegivenanymanlicencetosin

CHAPTER16

1Desirenotamultitudeofunprofitablechildren,neither delightinungodlysons

2Thoughtheymultiply,rejoicenotinthem,exceptthefear oftheLordbewiththem.

3Trustnotthouintheirlife,neitherrespecttheirmultitude: foronethatisjustisbetterthanathousand;andbetteritis todiewithoutchildren,thantohavethemthatareungodly.

4Forbyonethathathunderstandingshallthecitybe replenished:butthekindredofthewickedshallspeedily becomedesolate.

5ManysuchthingshaveIseenwithmineeyes,andmine earhathheardgreaterthingsthanthese.

6Inthecongregationoftheungodlyshallafirebekindled; andinarebelliousnationwrathissetonfire

7Hewasnotpacifiedtowardtheoldgiants,whofellaway inthestrengthoftheirfoolishness.

8NeithersparedhetheplacewhereLotsojourned,but abhorredthemfortheirpride

9Hepitiednotthepeopleofperdition,whoweretaken awayintheirsins:

10Northesixhundredthousandfootmen,whowere gatheredtogetherinthehardnessoftheirhearts

11Andiftherebeonestiffneckedamongthepeople,itis marvelifheescapeunpunished:formercyandwrathare withhim;heismightytoforgive,andtopourout displeasure

12Ashismercyisgreat,soishiscorrectionalso:he judgethamanaccordingtohisworks

13Thesinnershallnotescapewithhisspoils:andthe patienceofthegodlyshallnotbefrustrate.

14Makewayforeveryworkofmercy:foreverymanshall findaccordingtohisworks

15TheLordhardenedPharaoh,thatheshouldnotknow him,thathispowerfulworksmightbeknowntotheworld 16Hismercyismanifesttoeverycreature;andhehath separatedhislightfromthedarknesswithanadamant.

17Saynotthou,IwillhidemyselffromtheLord:shallany remembermefromabove?Ishallnotberemembered amongsomanypeople:forwhatismysoulamongsuchan infinitenumberofcreatures?

18Behold,theheaven,andtheheavenofheavens,thedeep, andtheearth,andallthatthereinis,shallbemovedwhen heshallvisit

19Themountainsalsoandfoundationsoftheearthbe shakenwithtrembling,whentheLordlookethuponthem. 20Noheartcanthinkuponthesethingsworthily:andwho isabletoconceivehisways?

21Itisatempestwhichnomancansee:forthemostpart ofhisworksarehid

22Whocandeclaretheworksofhisjustice?orwhocan endurethem?forhiscovenantisafaroff,andthetrialofall thingsisintheend

23Hethatwantethunderstandingwillthinkuponvain things:andafoolishmanerringimaginethfollies

24Myson,hearkenuntome,andlearnknowledge,and markmywordswiththyheart

25Iwillshewforthdoctrineinweight,anddeclarehis knowledgeexactly.

26TheworksoftheLordaredoneinjudgmentfromthe beginning:andfromthetimehemadethemhedisposed thepartsthereof.

27Hegarnishedhisworksforever,andinhishandarethe chiefofthemuntoallgenerations:theyneitherlabour,nor areweary,norceasefromtheirworks.

28Noneofthemhinderethanother,andtheyshallnever disobeyhisword

29AfterthistheLordlookedupontheearth,andfilledit withhisblessings

30Withallmanneroflivingthingshathhecoveredthe facethereof;andtheyshallreturnintoitagain.

CHAPTER17

1TheLordcreatedmanoftheearth,andturnedhimintoit again.

2Hegavethemfewdays,andashorttime,andpoweralso overthethingstherein

3Heenduedthemwithstrengthbythemselves,andmade themaccordingtohisimage,

4Andputthefearofmanuponallflesh,andgavehim dominionoverbeastsandfowls

5TheyreceivedtheuseofthefiveoperationsoftheLord, andinthesixthplaceheimpartedthemunderstanding,and intheseventhspeech,aninterpreterofthecogitations thereof

6Counsel,andatongue,andeyes,ears,andaheart,gave hethemtounderstand.

7Withalhefilledthemwiththeknowledgeof understanding,andshewedthemgoodandevil

8Hesethiseyeupontheirhearts,thathemightshewthem thegreatnessofhisworks

9Hegavethemtogloryinhismarvellousactsforever, thattheymightdeclarehisworkswithunderstanding.

10Andtheelectshallpraisehisholyname

11Besidethishegavethemknowledge,andthelawoflife foranheritage.

12Hemadeaneverlastingcovenantwiththem,and shewedthemhisjudgments

13Theireyessawthemajestyofhisglory,andtheirears heardhisgloriousvoice

14Andhesaiduntothem,Bewareofallunrighteousness; andhegaveeverymancommandmentconcerninghis neighbour

15Theirwaysareeverbeforehim,andshallnotbehid fromhiseyes.

16Everymanfromhisyouthisgiventoevil;neithercould theymaketothemselvesfleshyheartsforstony

17Forinthedivisionofthenationsofthewholeearthhe setarulerovereverypeople;butIsraelistheLord's portion:

18Whom,beinghisfirstborn,henourishethwithdiscipline, andgivinghimthelightofhislovedothnotforsakehim

19Thereforealltheirworksareasthesunbeforehim,and hiseyesarecontinuallyupontheirways.

20Noneoftheirunrighteousdeedsarehidfromhim,but alltheirsinsarebeforetheLord

21ButtheLordbeinggraciousandknowinghis workmanship,neitherleftnorforsookthem,butspared them

22Thealmsofamanisasasignetwithhim,andhewill keepthegooddeedsofmanastheappleoftheeye,and giverepentancetohissonsanddaughters

23Afterwardshewillriseupandrewardthem,andrender theirrecompenceupontheirheads

24Butuntothemthatrepent,hegrantedthemreturn,and comfortedthosethatfailedinpatience.

25ReturnuntotheLord,andforsakethysins,makethy prayerbeforehisface,andoffendless 26TurnagaintothemostHigh,andturnawayfrom iniquity:forhewillleadtheeoutofdarknessintothelight ofhealth,andhatethouabominationvehemently 27WhoshallpraisethemostHighinthegrave,insteadof themwhichliveandgivethanks?

28Thanksgivingperishethfromthedead,asfromonethat isnot:thelivingandsoundinheartshallpraisetheLord. 29HowgreatisthelovingkindnessoftheLordourGod, andhiscompassionuntosuchasturnuntohiminholiness! 30Forallthingscannotbeinmen,becausethesonofman isnotimmortal

31Whatisbrighterthanthesun?yetthelightthereof faileth;andfleshandbloodwillimagineevil.

32Hevieweththepoweroftheheightofheaven;andall menarebutearthandashes

CHAPTER18

1HethatlivethforeverHathcreatedallthingsingeneral 2TheLordonlyisrighteous,andthereisnoneotherbuthe, 3Whogoverneththeworldwiththepalmofhishand,and allthingsobeyhiswill:forheistheKingofall,byhis powerdividingholythingsamongthemfromprofane 4Towhomhathhegivenpowertodeclarehisworks?and whoshallfindouthisnobleacts?

5Whoshallnumberthestrengthofhismajesty?andwho shallalsotellouthismercies?

6AsforthewondrousworksoftheLord,theremay nothingbetakenfromthem,neithermayanythingbeput untothem,neithercanthegroundofthembefoundout.

7Whenamanhathdone,thenhebeginneth;andwhenhe leavethoff,thenheshallbedoubtful

8Whatisman,andwheretoservethhe?whatishisgood, andwhatishisevil?

9Thenumberofaman'sdaysatthemostareanhundred years.

10Asadropofwateruntothesea,andagravelstonein comparisonofthesand;soareathousandyearstothedays ofeternity.

11ThereforeisGodpatientwiththem,andpourethforth hismercyuponthem

12Hesawandperceivedtheirendtobeevil;thereforehe multipliedhiscompassion

13Themercyofmanistowardhisneighbour;butthe mercyoftheLordisuponallflesh:hereproveth,and nurtureth,andteachethandbringethagain,asashepherd hisflock

14Hehathmercyonthemthatreceivediscipline,andthat diligentlyseekafterhisjudgments

15Myson,blemishnotthygooddeeds,neitheruse uncomfortablewordswhenthougivestanything

16Shallnotthedewasswagetheheat?soisawordbetter thanagift

17Lo,isnotawordbetterthanagift?butbotharewitha graciousman.

18Afoolwillupbraidchurlishly,andagiftoftheenvious consumeththeeyes

19Learnbeforethouspeak,andusephysickoreverthou besick

20Beforejudgmentexaminethyself,andinthedayof visitationthoushaltfindmercy.

21Humblethyselfbeforethoubesick,andinthetimeof sinsshewrepentance

22Letnothinghindertheetopaythyvowinduetime,and defernotuntildeathtobejustified

23Beforethouprayest,preparethyself;andbenotasone thattempteththeLord.

24Thinkuponthewraththatshallbeattheend,andthe timeofvengeance,whenheshallturnawayhisface

25Whenthouhastenough,rememberthetimeofhunger: andwhenthouartrich,thinkuponpovertyandneed

26Fromthemorninguntiltheeveningthetimeischanged, andallthingsaresoondonebeforetheLord.

27Awisemanwillfearineverything,andinthedayof sinninghewillbewareofoffence:butafoolwillnot observetime.

28Everymanofunderstandingknowethwisdom,andwill givepraiseuntohimthatfoundher

29Theythatwereofunderstandinginsayingsbecamealso wisethemselves,andpouredforthexquisiteparables

30Gonotafterthylusts,butrefrainthyselffromthine appetites

31Ifthougivestthysoulthedesiresthatpleaseher,she willmaketheealaughingstocktothineenemiesthat malignthee.

32Takenotpleasureinmuchgoodcheer,neitherbetiedto theexpencethereof.

33Benotmadeabeggarbybanquetinguponborrowing, whenthouhastnothinginthypurse:forthoushaltliein waitforthineownlife,andbetalkedon.

CHAPTER19

1AlabouringmanthatAisgiventodrunkennessshallnot berich:andhethatcontemnethsmallthingsshallfallby littleandlittle.

2Wineandwomenwillmakemenofunderstandingtofall away:andhethatcleavethtoharlotswillbecomeimpudent 3Mothsandwormsshallhavehimtoheritage,andabold manshallbetakenaway

4Hethatishastytogivecreditislightminded;andhethat sinnethshalloffendagainsthisownsoul.

5Whosotakethpleasureinwickednessshallbe condemned:buthethatresistethpleasurescrownethhislife 6Hethatcanrulehistongueshalllivewithoutstrife;and hethathatethbabblingshallhavelessevil

7Rehearsenotuntoanotherthatwhichistolduntothee, andthoushaltfarenevertheworse.

8Whetheritbetofriendorfoe,talknotofothermen's lives;andifthoucanstwithoutoffence,revealthemnot

9Forheheardandobservedthee,andwhentimecometh hewillhatethee

10Ifthouhastheardaword,letitdiewiththee;andbe bold,itwillnotburstthee

11Afooltravailethwithaword,asawomaninlabourofa child

12Asanarrowthatstickethinaman'sthigh,soisaword withinafool'sbelly.

13Admonishafriend,itmaybehehathnotdoneit:andif hehavedoneit,thathedoitnomore 14Admonishthyfriend,itmaybehehathnotsaidit:and ifhehave,thathespeakitnotagain

15Admonishafriend:formanytimesitisaslander,and believenoteverytale.

16Thereisonethatslippethinhisspeech,butnotfromhis heart;andwhoishethathathnotoffendedwithhistongue?

17Admonishthyneighbourbeforethouthreatenhim;and notbeingangry,giveplacetothelawofthemostHigh

18ThefearoftheLordisthefirststeptobeacceptedof him,andwisdomobtainethhislove.

19TheknowledgeofthecommandmentsoftheLordisthe doctrineoflife:andtheythatdothingsthatpleasehim shallreceivethefruitofthetreeofimmortality.

20ThefearoftheLordisallwisdom;andinallwisdomis theperformanceofthelaw,andtheknowledgeofhis omnipotency.

21Ifaservantsaytohismaster,Iwillnotdoasitpleaseth thee;thoughafterwardhedoit,heangerethhimthat nourishethhim.

22Theknowledgeofwickednessisnotwisdom,neitherat anytimethecounselofsinnersprudence

23Thereisawickedness,andthesameanabomination; andthereisafoolwantinginwisdom

24Hethathathsmallunderstanding,andfearethGod,is betterthanonethathathmuchwisdom,andtransgresseth thelawofthemostHigh

25Thereisanexquisitesubtilty,andthesameisunjust; andthereisonethatturnethasidetomakejudgmentappear; andthereisawisemanthatjustifiethinjudgment

26Thereisawickedmanthathangethdownhisheadsadly; butinwardlyheisfullofdeceit,

27Castingdownhiscountenance,andmakingasifhe heardnot:whereheisnotknown,hewilldotheea mischiefbeforethoubeaware

28Andifforwantofpowerhebehinderedfromsinning, yetwhenhefindethopportunityhewilldoevil.

29Amanmaybeknownbyhislook,andonethathath understandingbyhiscountenance,whenthoumeetesthim 30Aman'sattire,andexcessivelaughter,andgait,shew whatheis

CHAPTER20

1Thereisareproofthatisnotcomely:again,someman holdethhistongue,andheiswise.

2Itismuchbettertoreprove,thantobeangrysecretly: andhethatconfessethhisfaultshallbepreservedfromhurt 3Howgoodisit,whenthouartreproved,toshew repentance!forsoshaltthouescapewilfulsin

4Asisthelustofaneunuchtodefloweravirgin;soishe thatexecutethjudgmentwithviolence.

5Thereisonethatkeepethsilence,andisfoundwise:and anotherbymuchbabblingbecomethhateful

6Somemanholdethhistongue,becausehehathnotto answer:andsomekeepethsilence,knowinghistime

7Awisemanwillholdhistonguetillheseeopportunity: butababblerandafoolwillregardnotime

8Hethatusethmanywordsshallbeabhorred;andhethat takethtohimselfauthoritythereinshallbehated

9Thereisasinnerthathathgoodsuccessinevilthings; andthereisagainthatturnethtoloss.

10Thereisagiftthatshallnotprofitthee;andthereisa giftwhoserecompenceisdouble

11Thereisanabasementbecauseofglory;andthereisthat liftethuphisheadfromalowestate

12Thereisthatbuyethmuchforalittle,andrepayethit sevenfold.

13Awisemanbyhiswordsmakethhimbeloved:butthe gracesoffoolsshallbepouredout

14Thegiftofafoolshalldotheenogoodwhenthouhast it;neitheryetoftheenviousforhisnecessity:forhe lookethtoreceivemanythingsforone

15Hegivethlittle,andupbraidethmuch;heopenethhis mouthlikeacrier;todayhelendeth,andtomorrowwillhe askitagain:suchanoneistobehatedofGodandman

16Thefoolsaith,Ihavenofriends,Ihavenothankforall mygooddeeds,andtheythateatmybreadspeakevilof me.

17Howoft,andofhowmanyshallhebelaughedtoscorn! forheknowethnotarightwhatitistohave;anditisallone untohimasifhehaditnot

18Toslipuponapavementisbetterthantoslipwiththe tongue:sothefallofthewickedshallcomespeedily

19Anunseasonabletalewillalwaysbeinthemouthofthe unwise

20Awisesentenceshallberejectedwhenitcomethoutof afool'smouth;forhewillnotspeakitindueseason.

21Thereisthatishinderedfromsinningthroughwant:and whenhetakethrest,heshallnotbetroubled

22Thereisthatdestroyethhisownsoulthrough bashfulness,andbyacceptingofpersonsoverthroweth himself

23Thereisthatforbashfulnesspromisethtohisfriend,and makethhimhisenemyfornothing

24Alieisafoulblotinaman,yetitiscontinuallyinthe mouthoftheuntaught.

25Athiefisbetterthanamanthatisaccustomedtolie:but theybothshallhavedestructiontoheritage

26Thedispositionofaliarisdishonourable,andhisshame iseverwithhim

27Awisemanshallpromotehimselftohonourwithhis words:andhethathathunderstandingwillpleasegreat men

28Hethattillethhislandshallincreasehisheap:andhe thatpleasethgreatmenshallgetpardonforiniquity.

29Presentsandgiftsblindtheeyesofthewise,andstopup hismouththathecannotreprove

30Wisdomthatishid,andtreasurethatishoardedup, whatprofitisinthemboth?

31Betterishethathidethhisfollythanamanthathideth hiswisdom.

32NecessarypatienceinseekingtheLordisbetterthanhe thatleadethhislifewithoutaguide

CHAPTER21

1Myson,hastthousinned?dosonomore,butaskpardon forthyformersins

2Fleefromsinasfromthefaceofaserpent:forifthou comesttoonearit,itwillbitethee:theteeththereofareas theteethofalion,slayingthesoulsofmen.

3Alliniquityisasatwoedgedsword,thewoundswhereof cannotbehealed

4Toterrifyanddowrongwillwasteriches:thusthehouse ofproudmenshallbemadedesolate

5Aprayeroutofapoorman'smouthreachethtotheears ofGod,andhisjudgmentcomethspeedily.

6Hethathatethtobereprovedisinthewayofsinners:but hethatfeareththeLordwillrepentfromhisheart

7Aneloquentmanisknownfarandnear;butamanof understandingknowethwhenheslippeth

8Hethatbuildethhishousewithothermen'smoneyislike onethatgatherethhimselfstonesforthetombofhisburial.

9Thecongregationofthewickedisliketowwrapped together:andtheendofthemisaflameoffiretodestroy them.

10Thewayofsinnersismadeplainwithstones,butatthe endthereofisthepitofhell

11HethatkeepeththelawoftheLordgetteththe understandingthereof:andtheperfectionofthefearofthe Lordiswisdom.

12Hethatisnotwisewillnotbetaught:butthereisa wisdomwhichmultipliethbitterness

13Theknowledgeofawisemanshallaboundlikeaflood: andhiscounselislikeapurefountainoflife.

14Theinnerpartsofafoolarelikeabrokenvessel,andhe willholdnoknowledgeaslongasheliveth

15Ifaskilfulmanhearawiseword,hewillcommendit, andadduntoit:butassoonasoneofnounderstanding hearethit,itdispleasethhim,andhecastethitbehindhis back

16Thetalkingofafoolislikeaburdenintheway:but graceshallbefoundinthelipsofthewise.

17Theyenquireatthemouthofthewisemaninthe congregation,andtheyshallponderhiswordsintheirheart 18Asisahousethatisdestroyed,soiswisdomtoafool: andtheknowledgeoftheunwiseisastalkwithoutsense 19Doctrineuntofoolsisasfettersonthefeet,andlike manaclesontherighthand.

20Afoolliftethuphisvoicewithlaughter;butawiseman dothscarcesmilealittle

21Learningisuntoawisemanasanornamentofgold, andlikeabraceletuponhisrightarm

22Afoolishman'sfootissooninhisneighbour'shouse: butamanofexperienceisashamedofhim.

23Afoolwillpeepinatthedoorintothehouse:buthe thatiswellnurturedwillstandwithout

24Itistherudenessofamantohearkenatthedoor:buta wisemanwillbegrievedwiththedisgrace

25Thelipsoftalkerswillbetellingsuchthingsaspertain notuntothem:butthewordsofsuchashaveunderstanding areweighedinthebalance

26Theheartoffoolsisintheirmouth:butthemouthofthe wiseisintheirheart.

27WhentheungodlycursethSatan,hecursethhisown soul

28Awhispererdefilethhisownsoul,andishated wheresoeverhedwelleth

CHAPTER22

1Aslothfulmaniscomparedtoafilthystone,andevery onewillhisshimouttohisdisgrace

2Aslothfulmaniscomparedtothefilthofadunghill: everymanthattakesitupwillshakehishand.

3Anevilnurturedmanisthedishonourofhisfatherthat begathim:andafoolishdaughterisborntohisloss

4Awisedaughtershallbringaninheritancetoherhusband: butshethatlivethdishonestlyisherfather'sheaviness

5Shethatisbolddishonourethbothherfatherandher husband,buttheybothshalldespiseher.

6Ataleoutofseasonisasmusickinmourning:butstripes andcorrectionofwisdomareneveroutoftime

7Whosoteachethafoolisasonethatgluethapotsherd together,andashethatwakethonefromasoundsleep

8Hethattellethataletoafoolspeakethtooneina slumber:whenhehathtoldhistale,hewillsay,Whatisthe matter?

9Ifchildrenlivehonestly,andhavewherewithal,they shallcoverthebasenessoftheirparents.

10Butchildren,beinghaughty,throughdisdainandwant ofnurturedostainthenobilityoftheirkindred.

11Weepforthedead,forhehathlostthelight:andweep forthefool,forhewantethunderstanding:makelittle weepingforthedead,forheisatrest:butthelifeofthe foolisworsethandeath.

12Sevendaysdomenmournforhimthatisdead;butfora foolandanungodlymanallthedaysofhislife

13Talknotmuchwithafool,andgonottohimthathath nounderstanding:bewareofhim,lestthouhavetrouble, andthoushaltneverbedefiledwithhisfooleries:depart fromhim,andthoushaltfindrest,andneverbedisquieted withmadness

14Whatisheavierthanlead?andwhatisthenamethereof, butafool?

15Sand,andsalt,andamassofiron,iseasiertobear,than amanwithoutunderstanding.

16Astimbergirtandboundtogetherinabuildingcannot beloosedwithshaking:sotheheartthatisstablishedby advisedcounselshallfearatnotime.

17Aheartsettleduponathoughtofunderstandingisasa fairplaisteringonthewallofagallery

18Palessetonanhighplacewillneverstandagainstthe wind:soafearfulheartintheimaginationofafoolcannot standagainstanyfear

19Hethatprickeththeeyewillmaketearstofall:andhe thatprickeththeheartmakethittoshewherknowledge

20Whosocastethastoneatthebirdsfrayeththemaway: andhethatupbraidethhisfriendbreakethfriendship.

21Thoughthoudrewestaswordatthyfriend,yetdespair not:fortheremaybeareturningtofavour

22Ifthouhastopenedthymouthagainstthyfriend,fear not;fortheremaybeareconciliation:exceptfor upbraiding,orpride,ordisclosingofsecrets,ora treacherouswound:forforthesethingseveryfriendwill depart

23Befaithfultothyneighbourinhispoverty,thatthou mayestrejoiceinhisprosperity:abidestedfastuntohimin thetimeofhistrouble,thatthoumayestbeheirwithhimin hisheritage:forameanestateisnotalwaystobe contemned:northerichthatisfoolishtobehadin admiration

24Asthevapourandsmokeofafurnacegoethbeforethe fire;sorevilingbeforeblood

25Iwillnotbeashamedtodefendafriend;neitherwillI hidemyselffromhim

26Andifanyevilhappenuntomebyhim,everyonethat hearethitwillbewareofhim.

27Whoshallsetawatchbeforemymouth,andasealof wisdomuponmylips,thatIfallnotsuddenlybythem,and thatmytonguedestroymenot?

CHAPTER23

1OLord,FatherandGovernorofallmywholelife,leave menottotheircounsels,andletmenotfallbythem

2Whowillsetscourgesovermythoughts,andthe disciplineofwisdomovermineheart?thattheyspareme notformineignorances,anditpassnotbymysins:

3Lestmineignorancesincrease,andmysinsaboundtomy destruction,andIfallbeforemineadversaries,andmine enemyrejoiceoverme,whosehopeisfarfromthymercy 4OLord,FatherandGodofmylife,givemenotaproud look,butturnawayfromthyservantsalwaysahaughty mind.

5Turnawayfrommevainhopesandconcupiscence,and thoushaltholdhimupthatisdesirousalwaystoservethee 6Letnotthegreedinessofthebellynorlustoftheflesh takeholdofme;andgivenotovermethyservantintoan impudentmind

7Hear,Oyechildren,thedisciplineofthemouth:hethat keepethitshallneverbetakeninhislips

8Thesinnershallbeleftinhisfoolishness:boththeevil speakerandtheproudshallfallthereby.

9Accustomnotthymouthtoswearing;neitherusethyself tothenamingoftheHolyOne

10Forasaservantthatiscontinuallybeatenshallnotbe withoutabluemark:sohethatswearethandnamethGod continuallyshallnotbefaultless

11Amanthatusethmuchswearingshallbefilledwith iniquity,andtheplagueshallneverdepartfromhishouse: ifheshalloffend,hissinshallbeuponhim:andifhe acknowledgenothissin,hemakethadoubleoffence:and ifheswearinvain,heshallnotbeinnocent,buthishouse shallbefullofcalamities

12Thereisawordthatisclothedaboutwithdeath:God grantthatitbenotfoundintheheritageofJacob;forall suchthingsshallbefarfromthegodly,andtheyshallnot wallowintheirsins.

13Usenotthymouthtointemperateswearing,fortherein isthewordofsin

14Rememberthyfatherandthymother,whenthousittest amonggreatmenBenotforgetfulbeforethem,andso thoubythycustombecomeafool,andwishthatthouhadst notbeenborn,andcursetheydayofthynativity.

15Themanthatisaccustomedtoopprobriouswordswill neverbereformedallthedaysofhislife

16Twosortsofmenmultiplysin,andthethirdwillbring wrath:ahotmindisasaburningfire,itwillneverbe quenchedtillitbeconsumed:afornicatorinthebodyof hisfleshwillneverceasetillhehathkindledafire.

17Allbreadissweettoawhoremonger,hewillnotleave offtillhedie

18Amanthatbreakethwedlock,sayingthusinhisheart, Whoseethme?Iamcompassedaboutwithdarkness,the

wallscoverme,andnobodyseethme;whatneedItofear?

themostHighwillnotremembermysins:

19Suchamanonlyfeareththeeyesofmen,andknoweth notthattheeyesoftheLordaretenthousandtimes brighterthanthesun,beholdingallthewaysofmen,and consideringthemostsecretparts.

20Heknewallthingsereevertheywerecreated;soalso aftertheywereperfectedhelookeduponthemall

21Thismanshallbepunishedinthestreetsofthecity,and wherehesuspectethnotheshallbetaken

22Thusshallitgoalsowiththewifethatleavethher husband,andbringethinanheirbyanother.

23Forfirst,shehathdisobeyedthelawofthemostHigh; andsecondly,shehathtrespassedagainstherownhusband; andthirdly,shehathplayedthewhoreinadultery,and broughtchildrenbyanotherman

24Sheshallbebroughtoutintothecongregation,and inquisitionshallbemadeofherchildren.

25Herchildrenshallnottakeroot,andherbranchesshall bringforthnofruit

26Sheshallleavehermemorytobecursed,andher reproachshallnotbeblottedout

27Andtheythatremainshallknowthatthereisnothing betterthanthefearoftheLord,andthatthereisnothing sweeterthantotakeheeduntothecommandmentsofthe

Lord

28ItisgreatglorytofollowtheLord,andtobereceivedof himislonglife

CHAPTER24

1Wisdomshallpraiseherself,andshallgloryinthemidst ofherpeople

2InthecongregationofthemostHighshallsheopenher mouth,andtriumphbeforehispower.

3IcameoutofthemouthofthemostHigh,andcovered theearthasacloud

4Idweltinhighplaces,andmythroneisinacloudypillar.

5Ialonecompassedthecircuitofheaven,andwalkedin thebottomofthedeep

6Inthewavesoftheseaandinalltheearth,andinevery peopleandnation,Igotapossession

7WithalltheseIsoughtrest:andinwhoseinheritance shallIabide?

8SotheCreatorofallthingsgavemeacommandment, andhethatmademecausedmytabernacletorest,andsaid, LetthydwellingbeinJacob,andthineinheritanceinIsrael.

9Hecreatedmefromthebeginningbeforetheworld,andI shallneverfail

10IntheholytabernacleIservedbeforehim;andsowasI establishedinSion

11Likewiseinthebelovedcityhegavemerest,andin Jerusalemwasmypower.

12AndItookrootinanhonourablepeople,eveninthe portionoftheLord'sinheritance

13IwasexaltedlikeacedarinLibanus,andasacypress treeuponthemountainsofHermon

14IwasexaltedlikeapalmtreeinEn-gaddi,andasarose plantinJericho,asafairolivetreeinapleasantfield,and grewupasaplanetreebythewater

15Igaveasweetsmelllikecinnamonandaspalathus,and Iyieldedapleasantodourlikethebestmyrrh,asgalbanum,

andonyx,andsweetstorax,andasthefumeof frankincenseinthetabernacle

16AstheturpentinetreeIstretchedoutmybranches,and mybranchesarethebranchesofhonourandgrace 17AsthevinebroughtIforthpleasantsavour,andmy flowersarethefruitofhonourandriches.

18Iamthemotheroffairlove,andfear,andknowledge, andholyhope:Itherefore,beingeternal,amgiventoall mychildrenwhicharenamedofhim.

19Comeuntome,allyethatbedesirousofme,andfill yourselveswithmyfruits

20Formymemorialissweeterthanhoney,andmine inheritancethanthehoneycomb

21Theythateatmeshallyetbehungry,andtheythatdrink meshallyetbethirsty.

22Hethatobeyethmeshallneverbeconfounded,andthey thatworkbymeshallnotdoamiss

23Allthesethingsarethebookofthecovenantofthemost highGod,eventhelawwhichMosescommandedforan heritageuntothecongregationsofJacob

24FaintnottobestrongintheLord;thathemayconfirm you,cleaveuntohim:fortheLordAlmightyisGodalone, andbesidehimthereisnootherSaviour.

25Hefillethallthingswithhiswisdom,asPhisonandas Tigrisinthetimeofthenewfruits

26HemakeththeunderstandingtoaboundlikeEuphrates, andasJordaninthetimeoftheharvest.

27Hemakeththedoctrineofknowledgeappearasthelight, andasGeoninthetimeofvintage

28Thefirstmanknewhernotperfectly:nomoreshallthe lastfindherout

29Forherthoughtsaremorethanthesea,andhercounsels profounderthanthegreatdeep 30Ialsocameoutasabrookfromariver,andasaconduit intoagarden.

31Isaid,Iwillwatermybestgarden,andwillwater abundantlymygardenbed:and,lo,mybrookbecamea river,andmyriverbecameasea.

32Iwillyetmakedoctrinetoshineasthemorning,and willsendforthherlightafaroff

33Iwillyetpouroutdoctrineasprophecy,andleaveitto allagesforever

34BeholdthatIhavenotlabouredformyselfonly,butfor allthemthatseekwisdom.

CHAPTER25

1InthreethingsIwasbeautified,andstoodupbeautiful bothbeforeGodandmen:theunityofbrethren,theloveof neighbours,amanandawifethatagreetogether.

2Threesortsofmenmysoulhateth,andIamgreatly offendedattheirlife:apoormanthatisproud,arichman thatisaliar,andanoldadultererthatdoateth.

3Ifthouhastgatherednothinginthyyouth,howcanst thoufindanythinginthineage?

4Ohowcomelyathingisjudgmentforgrayhairs,andfor ancientmentoknowcounsel!

5Ohowcomelyisthewisdomofoldmen,and understandingandcounseltomenofhonour.

6Muchexperienceisthecrownofoldmen,andthefearof Godistheirglory

7TherebeninethingswhichIhavejudgedinmineheartto behappy,andthetenthIwillutterwithmytongue:Aman

thathathjoyofhischildren;andhethatlivethtoseethe fallofhisenemy:

8Wellishimthatdwellethwithawifeofunderstanding, andthathathnotslippedwithhistongue,andthathathnot servedamanmoreunworthythanhimself:

9Wellishimthathathfoundprudence,andhethat speakethintheearsofthemthatwillhear:

10Ohowgreatishethatfindethwisdom!yetistherenone abovehimthatfeareththeLord.

11ButtheloveoftheLordpassethallthingsfor illumination:hethatholdethit,wheretoshallhebelikened?

12ThefearoftheLordisthebeginningofhislove:and faithisthebeginningofcleavinguntohim

13Givemeanyplague,buttheplagueoftheheart:andany wickedness,butthewickednessofawoman:

14Andanyaffliction,buttheafflictionfromthemthathate me:andanyrevenge,buttherevengeofenemies

15Thereisnoheadabovetheheadofaserpent;andthere isnowrathabovethewrathofanenemy

16Ihadratherdwellwithalionandadragon,thantokeep housewithawickedwoman.

17Thewickednessofawomanchangethherface,and darkenethhercountenancelikesackcloth.

18Herhusbandshallsitamonghisneighbours;andwhen hehearethitshallsighbitterly

19Allwickednessisbutlittletothewickednessofa woman:lettheportionofasinnerfalluponher.

20Astheclimbingupasandywayistothefeetofthe aged,soisawifefullofwordstoaquietman

21Stumblenotatthebeautyofawoman,anddesireher notforpleasure

22Awoman,ifshemaintainherhusband,isfullofanger, impudence,andmuchreproach

23Awickedwomanabateththecourage,makethanheavy countenanceandawoundedheart:awomanthatwillnot comfortherhusbandindistressmakethweakhandsand feebleknees

24Ofthewomancamethebeginningofsin,andthrough herwealldie

25Givethewaternopassage;neitherawickedwoman libertytogadabroad.

26Ifshegonotasthouwouldesthaveher,cutherofffrom thyflesh,andgiveherabillofdivorce,andlethergo

CHAPTER26

1Blessedisthemanthathathavirtuouswife,forthe numberofhisdaysshallbedouble

2Avirtuouswomanrejoicethherhusband,andheshall fulfiltheyearsofhislifeinpeace.

3Agoodwifeisagoodportion,whichshallbegivenin theportionofthemthatfeartheLord

4Whetheramanberichorpoor,ifhehaveagoodheart towardtheLord,heshallatalltimesrejoicewithacheerful countenance

5Therebethreethingsthatmineheartfeareth;andforthe fourthIwassoreafraid:theslanderofacity,thegathering togetherofanunrulymultitude,andafalseaccusation:all theseareworsethandeath.

6Butagriefofheartandsorrowisawomanthatisjealous overanotherwoman,andascourgeofthetonguewhich communicatethwithall.

7Anevilwifeisayokeshakentoandfro:hethathath holdofherisasthoughheheldascorpion

8Adrunkenwomanandagadderabroadcausethgreat anger,andshewillnotcoverherownshame

9Thewhoredomofawomanmaybeknowninher haughtylooksandeyelids.

10Ifthydaughterbeshameless,keepherinstraitly,lest sheabuseherselfthroughovermuchliberty

11Watchoveranimpudenteye:andmarvelnotifshe trespassagainstthee

12Shewillopenhermouth,asathirstytravellerwhenhe hathfoundafountain,anddrinkofeverywaternearher: byeveryhedgewillshesitdown,andopenherquiver againsteveryarrow

13Thegraceofawifedelightethherhusband,andher discretionwillfattenhisbones

14AsilentandlovingwomanisagiftoftheLord;and thereisnothingsomuchworthasamindwellinstructed.

15Ashamefacedandfaithfulwomanisadoublegrace, andhercontinentmindcannotbevalued

16Asthesunwhenitarisethinthehighheaven;soisthe beautyofagoodwifeintheorderingofherhouse

17Astheclearlightisupontheholycandlestick;soisthe beautyofthefaceinripeage.

18Asthegoldenpillarsareuponthesocketsofsilver;so arethefairfeetwithaconstantheart

19Myson,keeptheflowerofthineagesound;andgive notthystrengthtostrangers

20Whenthouhastgottenafruitfulpossessionthroughall thefield,sowitwiththineownseed,trustinginthe goodnessofthystock

21Sothyracewhichthouleavestshallbemagnified, havingtheconfidenceoftheirgooddescent

22Anharlotshallbeaccountedasspittle;butamarried womanisatoweragainstdeathtoherhusband.

23Awickedwomanisgivenasaportiontoawickedman: butagodlywomanisgiventohimthatfeareththeLord 24Adishonestwomancontemnethshame:butanhonest womanwillreverenceherhusband

25Ashamelesswomanshallbecountedasadog;butshe thatisshamefacedwillfeartheLord.

26Awomanthathonourethherhusbandshallbejudged wiseofall;butshethatdishonourethhiminherprideshall becountedungodlyofall.

27Aloudcryingwomanandascoldshallbesoughtoutto driveawaytheenemies

28Therebetwothingsthatgrievemyheart;andthethird makethmeangry:amanofwarthatsufferethpoverty;and menofunderstandingthatarenotsetby;andonethat returnethfromrighteousnesstosin;theLordprepareth suchanoneforthesword

29Amerchantshallhardlykeephimselffromdoingwrong; andanhuckstershallnotbefreedfromsin.

CHAPTER27

1Manyhavesinnedforasmallmatter;andhethatseeketh forabundancewillturnhiseyesaway

2Asanailstickethfastbetweenthejoiningsofthestones; sodothsinstickclosebetweenbuyingandselling 3Unlessamanholdhimselfdiligentlyinthefearofthe Lord,hishouseshallsoonbeoverthrown.

4Aswhenonesiftethwithasieve,therefuseremaineth;so thefilthofmaninhistalk

5Thefurnaceproveththepotter'svessels;sothetrialof manisinhisreasoning

6Thefruitdeclarethifthetreehavebeendressed;soisthe utteranceofaconceitintheheartofman.

7Praisenomanbeforethouhearesthimspeak;forthisis thetrialofmen

8Ifthoufollowestrighteousness,thoushaltobtainher,and putheron,asagloriouslongrobe

9Thebirdswillresortuntotheirlike;sowilltruthreturn untothemthatpractiseinher.

10Asthelionliethinwaitfortheprey;sosinforthemthat workiniquity

11Thediscourseofagodlymanisalwayswithwisdom; butafoolchangethasthemoon

12Ifthoubeamongtheindiscreet,observethetime;butbe continuallyamongmenofunderstanding.

13Thediscourseoffoolsisirksome,andtheirsportisthe wantonnessofsin

14Thetalkofhimthatswearethmuchmakeththehair standupright;andtheirbrawlsmakeonestophisears

15Thestrifeoftheproudisbloodshedding,andtheir revilingsaregrievoustotheear.

16Whosodiscoverethsecretslosethhiscredit;andshall neverfindfriendtohismind

17Lovethyfriend,andbefaithfuluntohim:butifthou betrayesthissecrets,follownomoreafterhim

18Forasamanhathdestroyedhisenemy;sohastthoulost theloveofthyneighbor

19Asonethatlettethabirdgooutofhishand,sohastthou letthyneighbourgo,andshaltnotgethimagain

20Followafterhimnomore,forheistoofaroff;heisasa roeescapedoutofthesnare

21Asforawound,itmaybeboundup;andafterreviling theremaybereconcilement:buthethatbetrayethsecretsis withouthope

22Hethatwinkethwiththeeyesworkethevil:andhethat knowethhimwilldepartfromhim

23Whenthouartpresent,hewillspeaksweetly,andwill admirethywords:butatthelasthewillwrithehismouth, andslanderthysayings

24Ihavehatedmanythings,butnothinglikehim;forthe Lordwillhatehim.

25Whosocastethastoneonhighcastethitonhisown head;andadeceitfulstrokeshallmakewounds

26Whosodiggethapitshallfalltherein:andhethatsetteth atrapshallbetakentherein

27Hethatworkethmischief,itshallfalluponhim,andhe shallnotknowwhenceitcometh.

28Mockeryandreproacharefromtheproud;but vengeance,asalion,shalllieinwaitforthem

29Theythatrejoiceatthefalloftherighteousshallbe takeninthesnare;andanguishshallconsumethembefore theydie

30Maliceandwrath,eventheseareabominations;andthe sinfulmanshallhavethemboth

CHAPTER28

1HethatrevengethshallfindvengeancefromtheLord, andhewillsurelykeephissinsinremembrance.

2Forgivethyneighbourthehurtthathehathdoneunto thee,soshallthysinsalsobeforgivenwhenthouprayest 3Onemanbearethhatredagainstanother,anddothheseek pardonfromtheLord?

4Heshewethnomercytoaman,whichislikehimself: anddothheaskforgivenessofhisownsins?

5Ifhethatisbutfleshnourishhatred,whowillintreatfor pardonofhissins?

6Rememberthyend,andletenmitycease;remember corruptionanddeath,andabideinthecommandments 7Rememberthecommandments,andbearnomalicetothy neighbour:rememberthecovenantoftheHighest,and winkatignorance

8Abstainfromstrife,andthoushaltdiminishthysins:for afuriousmanwillkindlestrife,

9Asinfulmandisquietethfriends,andmakethdebate amongthemthatbeatpeace

10Asthematterofthefireis,soitburneth:andasaman's strengthis,soishiswrath;andaccordingtohisricheshis angerriseth;andthestrongertheyarewhichcontend,the moretheywillbeinflamed.

11Anhastycontentionkindlethafire:andanhasty fightingsheddethblood.

12Ifthoublowthespark,itshallburn:ifthouspituponit, itshallbequenched:andboththesecomeoutofthymouth 13Cursethewhispereranddoubletongued:forsuchhave destroyedmanythatwereatpeace.

14Abackbitingtonguehathdisquietedmany,anddriven themfromnationtonation:strongcitieshathitpulled down,andoverthrownthehousesofgreatmen

15Abackbitingtonguehathcastoutvirtuouswomen,and deprivedthemoftheirlabours.

16Whosohearkenethuntoitshallneverfindrest,and neverdwellquietly

17Thestrokeofthewhipmakethmarksintheflesh:but thestrokeofthetonguebreakeththebones.

18Manyhavefallenbytheedgeofthesword:butnotso manyashavefallenbythetongue.

19Wellishethatisdefendedthroughthevenomthereof; whohathnotdrawntheyokethereof,norhathbeenbound inherbands.

20Fortheyokethereofisayokeofiron,andthebands thereofarebandsofbrass

21Thedeaththereofisanevildeath,thegravewerebetter thanit

22ItshallnothaveruleoverthemthatfearGod,neither shalltheybeburnedwiththeflamethereof.

23SuchasforsaketheLordshallfallintoit;anditshall burninthem,andnotbequenched;itshallbesentupon themasalion,anddevourthemasaleopard.

24Lookthatthouhedgethypossessionaboutwiththorns, andbindupthysilverandgold,

25Andweighthywordsinabalance,andmakeadoorand barforthymouth

26Bewarethouslidenotbyit,lestthoufallbeforehim thatliethinwait.

CHAPTER29

1Hethatismercifulwilllenduntohisneighbour;andhe thatstrengthenethhishandkeepeththecommandments

2Lendtothyneighbourintimeofhisneed,andpaythou thyneighbouragainindueseason

3Keepthyword,anddealfaithfullywithhim,andthou shaltalwaysfindthethingthatisnecessaryforthee

4Many,whenathingwaslentthem,reckonedittobe found,andputthemtotroublethathelpedthem

5Tillhehathreceived,hewillkissaman'shand;andfor hisneighbour'smoneyhewillspeaksubmissly:butwhen heshouldrepay,hewillprolongthetime,andreturnwords ofgrief,andcomplainofthetime

6Ifheprevail,heshallhardlyreceivethehalf,andhewill countasifhehadfoundit:ifnot,hehathdeprivedhimof hismoney,andhehathgottenhimanenemywithoutcause: hepayethhimwithcursingsandrailings;andforhonourhe willpayhimdisgrace

7Manythereforehaverefusedtolendforothermen'sill dealing,fearingtobedefrauded.

8Yethavethoupatiencewithamaninpoorestate,and delaynottoshewhimmercy

9Helpthepoorforthecommandment'ssake,andturnhim notawaybecauseofhispoverty

10Losethymoneyforthybrotherandthyfriend,andletit notrustunderastonetobelost.

11Layupthytreasureaccordingtothecommandmentsof themostHigh,anditshallbringtheemoreprofitthangold.

12Shutupalmsinthystorehouses:anditshalldeliverthee fromallaffliction

13Itshallfightfortheeagainstthineenemiesbetterthana mightyshieldandstrongspear.

14Anhonestmanissuretyforhisneighbour:buthethatis impudentwillforsakehim

15Forgetnotthefriendshipofthysurety,forhehathgiven hislifeforthee

16Asinnerwilloverthrowthegoodestateofhissurety:

17Andhethatisofanunthankfulmindwillleavehimin dangerthatdeliveredhim

18Suretishiphathundonemanyofgoodestate,andshaken themasawaveofthesea:mightymenhathitdrivenfrom theirhouses,sothattheywanderedamongstrangenations

19Awickedmantransgressingthecommandmentsofthe Lordshallfallintosuretiship:andhethatundertakethand followethothermen'sbusinessforgainshallfallintosuits

20Helpthyneighbouraccordingtothypower,andbeware thatthouthyselffallnotintothesame

21Thechiefthingforlifeiswater,andbread,andclothing, andanhousetocovershame.

22Betteristhelifeofapoormaninameancottage,than delicatefareinanotherman'shouse

23Beitlittleormuch,holdtheecontented,thatthouhear notthereproachofthyhouse

24Foritisamiserablelifetogofromhousetohouse:for wherethouartastranger,thoudarestnotopenthymouth.

25Thoushaltentertain,andfeast,andhavenothanks: moreoverthoushalthearbitterwords:

26Come,thoustranger,andfurnishatable,andfeedmeof thatthouhastready

27Giveplace,thoustranger,toanhonourableman;my brothercomethtobelodged,andIhaveneedofmine house

28Thesethingsaregrievoustoamanofunderstanding; theupbraidingofhouseroom,andreproachingofthelender.

CHAPTER30

1Hethatlovethhissoncausethhimofttofeeltherod,that hemayhavejoyofhimintheend

2Hethatchastisethhissonshallhavejoyinhim,andshall rejoiceofhimamonghisacquaintance.

3Hethatteachethhissongrieveththeenemy:andbefore hisfriendsheshallrejoiceofhim

4Thoughhisfatherdie,yetheisasthoughhewerenot dead:forhehathleftonebehindhimthatislikehimself 5Whilehelived,hesawandrejoicedinhim:andwhenhe died,hewasnotsorrowful.

6Heleftbehindhimanavengeragainsthisenemies,and onethatshallrequitekindnesstohisfriends

7Hethatmakethtoomuchofhissonshallbinduphis wounds;andhisbowelswillbetroubledateverycry

8Anhorsenotbrokenbecomethheadstrong:andachild lefttohimselfwillbewilful.

9Cockerthychild,andheshallmaketheeafraid:playwith him,andhewillbringtheetoheaviness

10Laughnotwithhim,lestthouhavesorrowwithhim, andlestthougnashthyteethintheend

11Givehimnolibertyinhisyouth,andwinknotathis follies.

12Bowdownhisneckwhileheisyoung,andbeathimon thesideswhileheisachild,lesthewaxstubborn,andbe disobedientuntothee,andsobringsorrowtothineheart.

13Chastisethyson,andholdhimtolabour,lesthislewd behaviourbeanoffenceuntothee

14Betteristhepoor,beingsoundandstrongof constitution,thanarichmanthatisafflictedinhisbody

15Healthandgoodestateofbodyareaboveallgold,anda strongbodyaboveinfinitewealth

16Thereisnorichesaboveasoundbody,andnojoy abovethejoyoftheheart.

17Deathisbetterthanabitterlifeorcontinualsickness.

18Delicatespoureduponamouthshutupareasmessesof meatsetuponagrave.

19Whatgooddoeththeofferinguntoanidol?forneither caniteatnorsmell:soishethatispersecutedoftheLord 20Heseethwithhiseyesandgroaneth,asaneunuchthat embracethavirginandsigheth

21Givenotoverthymindtoheaviness,andafflictnot thyselfinthineowncounsel.

22Thegladnessoftheheartisthelifeofman,andthe joyfulnessofamanprolongethhisdays

23Lovethineownsoul,andcomfortthyheart,remove sorrowfarfromthee:forsorrowhathkilledmany,and thereisnoprofittherein

24Envyandwrathshortenthelife,andcarefulness bringethagebeforethetime

25Acheerfulandgoodheartwillhaveacareofhismeat anddiet.

CHAPTER31

1Watchingforrichesconsumeththeflesh,andthecare thereofdrivethawaysleep

2Watchingcarewillnotletamanslumber,asasore diseasebreakethsleep,

3Therichhathgreatlabouringatheringrichestogether; andwhenheresteth,heisfilledwithhisdelicates.

4Thepoorlabourethinhispoorestate;andwhenhe leavethoff,heisstillneedy

5Hethatlovethgoldshallnotbejustified,andhethat followethcorruptionshallhaveenoughthereof

6Goldhathbeentheruinofmany,andtheirdestruction waspresent.

7Itisastumblingblockuntothemthatsacrificeuntoit,and everyfoolshallbetakentherewith

8Blessedistherichthatisfoundwithoutblemish,and hathnotgoneaftergold

9Whoishe?andwewillcallhimblessed:forwonderful thingshathhedoneamonghispeople.

10Whohathbeentriedthereby,andfoundperfect?thenlet himgloryWhomightoffend,andhathnotoffended?or doneevil,andhathnotdoneit?

11Hisgoodsshallbeestablished,andthecongregation shalldeclarehisalms

12Ifthousitatabountifultable,benotgreedyuponit,and saynot,Thereismuchmeatonit

13Rememberthatawickedeyeisanevilthing:andwhat iscreatedmorewickedthananeye?thereforeitweepeth uponeveryoccasion

14Stretchnotthinehandwhithersoeveritlooketh,and thrustitnotwithhimintothedish.

15Judgenotthyneighbourbythyself:andbediscreetin everypoint

16Eatasitbecomethaman,thosethingswhichareset beforethee;anddevournote,lestthoubehated

17Leaveofffirstformanners'sake;andbenotunsatiable, lestthouoffend

18Whenthousittestamongmany,reachnotthinehandout firstofall.

19Averylittleissufficientforamanwellnurtured,andhe fetchethnothiswindshortuponhisbed

20Soundsleepcomethofmoderateeating:herisethearly, andhiswitsarewithhim:butthepainofwatching,and choler,andpangsofthebelly,arewithanunsatiableman

21Andifthouhastbeenforcedtoeat,arise,goforth, vomit,andthoushalthaverest

22Myson,hearme,anddespisemenot,andatthelast thoushaltfindasItoldthee:inallthyworksbequick,so shalltherenosicknesscomeuntothee

23Whosoisliberalofhismeat,menshallspeakwellof him;andthereportofhisgoodhousekeepingwillbe believed

24Butagainsthimthatisaniggardofhismeatthewhole cityshallmurmur;andthetestimoniesofhisniggardness shallnotbedoubtedof

25Shewnotthyvaliantnessinwine;forwinehath destroyedmany.

26Thefurnaceproveththeedgebydipping:sodothwine theheartsoftheproudbydrunkeness

27Wineisasgoodaslifetoaman,ifitbedrunk moderately:whatlifeisthentoamanthatiswithoutwine? foritwasmadetomakemenglad

28Winemeasurablydrunkandinseasonbringethgladness oftheheart,andcheerfulnessofthemind:

29Butwinedrunkenwithexcessmakethbitternessofthe mind,withbrawlingandquarrelling.

30Drunkennessincreaseththerageofafooltillheoffend: itdiminishethstrength,andmakethwounds

31Rebukenotthyneighbouratthewine,anddespisehim notinhismirth:givehimnodespitefulwords,andpress notuponhimwithurginghimtodrink.

CHAPTER32

1Ifthoubemadethemasterofafeast,liftnotthyselfup, butbeamongthemasoneoftherest;takediligentcarefor them,andsositdown.

2Andwhenthouhastdoneallthyoffice,takethyplace, thatthoumayestbemerrywiththem,andreceiveacrown forthywellorderingofthefeast.

3Speak,thouthatarttheelder,foritbecomeththee,but withsoundjudgment;andhindernotmusick

4Pournotoutwordswherethereisamusician,andshew notforthwisdomoutoftime

5Aconcertofmusickinabanquetofwineisasasignetof carbunclesetingold.

6Asasignetofanemeraldsetinaworkofgold,soisthe melodyofmusickwithpleasantwine

7Speak,youngman,iftherebeneedofthee:andyet scarcelywhenthouarttwiceasked

8Letthyspeechbeshort,comprehendingmuchinfew words;beasonethatknowethandyetholdethhistongue.

9Ifthoubeamonggreatmen,makenotthyselfequalwith them;andwhenancientmenareinplace,usenotmany words.

10Beforethethundergoethlightning;andbeforea shamefacedmanshallgofavour

11Riseupbetimes,andbenotthelast;butgettheehome withoutdelay

12Theretakethypastime,anddowhatthouwilt:butsin notbyproudspeech

13Andforthesethingsblesshimthatmadethee,andhath replenishedtheewithhisgoodthings.

14WhosofeareththeLordwillreceivehisdiscipline;and theythatseekhimearlyshallfindfavour

15Hethatseekeththelawshallbefilledtherewith:butthe hypocritewillbeoffendedthereat

16TheythatfeartheLordshallfindjudgment,andshall kindlejusticeasalight.

17Asinfulmanwillnotbereproved,butfindethanexcuse accordingtohiswill

18Amanofcounselwillbeconsiderate;butastrangeand proudmanisnotdauntedwithfear,evenwhenofhimself hehathdonewithoutcounsel

19Donothingwithoutadvice;andwhenthouhastonce done,repentnot

20Gonotinawaywhereinthoumayestfall,andstumble notamongthestones.

21Benotconfidentinaplainway

22Andbewareofthineownchildren

23Ineverygoodworktrustthyownsoul;forthisisthe keepingofthecommandments

24HethatbelievethintheLordtakethheedtothe commandment;andhethattrustethinhimshallfarenever theworse

CHAPTER33

1ThereshallnoevilhappenuntohimthatfeareththeLord; butintemptationevenagainhewilldeliverhim.

2Awisemanhatethnotthelaw;buthethatisanhypocrite thereinisasashipinastorm

3Amanofunderstandingtrustethinthelaw;andthelaw isfaithfuluntohim,asanoracle

4Preparewhattosay,andsothoushaltbeheard:andbind upinstruction,andthenmakeanswer.

5Theheartofthefoolishislikeacartwheel;andhis thoughtsarelikearollingaxletree

6Astallionhorseisasamockingfriend,heneighethunder everyonethatsittethuponhim

7Whydothonedayexcelanother,whenasallthelightof everydayintheyearisofthesun?

8BytheknowledgeoftheLordtheyweredistinguished: andhealteredseasonsandfeasts

9Someofthemhathhemadehighdays,andhallowed them,andsomeofthemhathhemadeordinarydays

10Andallmenarefromtheground,andAdamwas createdofearth:

11InmuchknowledgetheLordhathdividedthem,and madetheirwaysdiverse

12Someofthemhathheblessedandexaltedandsomeof themhesanctified,andsetnearhimself:butsomeofthem hathhecursedandbroughtlow,andturnedoutoftheir places.

13Astheclayisinthepotter'shand,tofashionitathis pleasure:somanisinthehandofhimthatmadehim,to rendertothemaslikethhimbest.

14Goodissetagainstevil,andlifeagainstdeath:soisthe godlyagainstthesinner,andthesinneragainstthegodly

15SolookuponalltheworksofthemostHigh;andthere aretwoandtwo,oneagainstanother

16Iawakeduplastofall,asonethatgatherethafterthe grapegatherers:bytheblessingoftheLordIprofited,and tredmywinepresslikeagathererofgrapes

17ConsiderthatIlabourednotformyselfonly,butforall themthatseeklearning.

18Hearme,Oyegreatmenofthepeople,andhearken withyourears,yerulersofthecongregation.

19Givenotthysonandwife,thybrotherandfriend,power overtheewhilethoulivest,andgivenotthygoodsto another:lestitrepentthee,andthouintreatforthesame again

20Aslongasthoulivestandhastbreathinthee,givenot thyselfovertoany.

21Forbetteritisthatthychildrenshouldseektothee,than thatthoushouldeststandtotheircourtesy

22Inallthyworkskeeptothyselfthepreeminence;leave notastaininthinehonour

23Atthetimewhenthoushaltendthydays,andfinishthy life,distributethineinheritance.

24Fodder,awand,andburdens,arefortheass;andbread, correction,andwork,foraservant

25Ifthousetthyservanttolabour,thoushaltfindrest:but ifthoulethimgoidle,heshallseekliberty

26Ayokeandacollardobowtheneck:soaretorturesand tormentsforanevilservant.

27Sendhimtolabour,thathebenotidle;foridleness teachethmuchevil

28Sethimtowork,asisfitforhim:ifhebenotobedient, putonmoreheavyfetters

29Butbenotexcessivetowardany;andwithoutdiscretion donothing.

30Ifthouhaveaservant,lethimbeuntotheeasthyself, becausethouhastboughthimwithaprice

31Ifthouhaveaservant,entreathimasabrother:forthou hastneedofhim,asofthineownsoul:ifthouentreathim evil,andherunfromthee,whichwaywiltthougotoseek him?

CHAPTER34

1Thehopesofamanvoidofunderstandingarevainand false:anddreamsliftupfools

2Whosoregardethdreamsislikehimthatcatchethata shadow,andfollowethafterthewind

3Thevisionofdreamsistheresemblanceofonethingto another,evenasthelikenessofafacetoaface.

4Ofanuncleanthingwhatcanbecleansed?andfromthat thingwhichisfalsewhattruthcancome?

5Divinations,andsoothsayings,anddreams,arevain:and theheartfancieth,asawoman'sheartintravail

6IftheybenotsentfromthemostHighinthyvisitation, setnotthyheartuponthem.

7Fordreamshavedeceivedmany,andtheyhavefailed thatputtheirtrustinthem.

8Thelawshallbefoundperfectwithoutlies:andwisdom isperfectiontoafaithfulmouth

9Amanthathathtravelledknowethmanythings;andhe thathathmuchexperiencewilldeclarewisdom.

10Hethathathnoexperienceknowethlittle:buthethat hathtravelledisfullofprudence

11WhenItravelled,Isawmanythings;andIunderstand morethanIcanexpress

12Iwasofttimesindangerofdeath:yetIwasdelivered becauseofthesethings

13ThespiritofthosethatfeartheLordshalllive;fortheir hopeisinhimthatsaveththem.

14WhosofeareththeLordshallnotfearnorbeafraid;for heishishope

15BlessedisthesoulofhimthatfeareththeLord:to whomdothhelook?andwhoishisstrength?

16FortheeyesoftheLordareuponthemthatlovehim,he istheirmightyprotectionandstrongstay,adefencefrom heat,andacoverfromthesunatnoon,apreservationfrom stumbling,andanhelpfromfalling

17Heraisethupthesoul,andlighteneththeeyes:hegiveth health,life,andblessing

18Hethatsacrificethofathingwrongfullygotten,his offeringisridiculous;andthegiftsofunjustmenarenot accepted

19ThemostHighisnotpleasedwiththeofferingsofthe wicked;neitherishepacifiedforsinbythemultitudeof sacrifices

20Whosobringethanofferingofthegoodsofthepoor doethasonethatkilleththesonbeforehisfather'seyes.

21Thebreadoftheneedyistheirlife:hethatdefraudeth himthereofisamanofblood

22Hethattakethawayhisneighbour'slivingslayethhim; andhethatdefraudeththelabourerofhishireisa bloodshedder

23Whenonebuildeth,andanotherpullethdown,what profithavetheythenbutlabour?

24Whenoneprayeth,andanothercurseth,whosevoice willtheLordhear?

25Hethatwashethhimselfafterthetouchingofadead body,ifhetouchitagain,whatavailethhiswashing?

26Soisitwithamanthatfastethforhissins,andgoeth again,anddoeththesame:whowillhearhisprayer?or whatdothhishumblingprofithim?

CHAPTER35

1Hethatkeepeththelawbringethofferingsenough:he thattakethheedtothecommandmentofferethapeace offering

2Hethatrequitethagoodturnofferethfineflour;andhe thatgivethalmssacrificethpraise

3TodepartfromwickednessisathingpleasingtotheLord; andtoforsakeunrighteousnessisapropitiation.

4ThoushaltnotappearemptybeforetheLord

5Forallthesethingsaretobedonebecauseofthe commandment.

6Theofferingoftherighteousmakeththealtarfat,andthe sweetsavourthereofisbeforethemostHigh

7Thesacrificeofajustmanisacceptable.andthe memorialthereofshallneverbeforgotten

8GivetheLordhishonourwithagoodeye,anddiminish notthefirstfruitsofthinehands.

9Inallthygiftsshewacheerfulcountenance,anddedicate thytitheswithgladness

10GiveuntothemostHighaccordingashehathenriched thee;andasthouhastgotten,givewithacheerfuleye

11FortheLordrecompenseth,andwillgivetheeseven timesasmuch

12Donotthinktocorruptwithgifts;forsuchhewillnot receive:andtrustnottounrighteoussacrifices;fortheLord isjudge,andwithhimisnorespectofpersons

13Hewillnotacceptanypersonagainstapoorman,but willheartheprayeroftheoppressed.

14Hewillnotdespisethesupplicationofthefatherless; northewidow,whenshepourethouthercomplaint

15Donotthetearsrundownthewidow'scheeks?andis nothercryagainsthimthatcauseththemtofall?

16HethatserveththeLordshallbeacceptedwithfavour, andhisprayershallreachuntotheclouds.

17Theprayerofthehumblepierceththeclouds:andtillit comenigh,hewillnotbecomforted;andwillnotdepart, tillthemostHighshallbeholdtojudgerighteously,and executejudgment

18FortheLordwillnotbeslack,neitherwilltheMighty bepatienttowardthem,tillhehavesmitteninsunderthe loinsoftheunmerciful,andrepayedvengeancetothe heathen;tillhehavetakenawaythemultitudeoftheproud, andbrokenthesceptreoftheunrighteous;

19Tillhehaverenderedtoeverymanaccordingtohis deeds,andtotheworksofmenaccordingtotheirdevices; tillhehavejudgedthecauseofhispeople,andmadethem torejoiceinhismercy

20Mercyisseasonableinthetimeofaffliction,asclouds ofraininthetimeofdrought.

CHAPTER36

1Havemercyuponus,OLordGodofall,andbeholdus: 2Andsendthyfearuponallthenationsthatseeknotafter thee.

3Liftupthyhandagainstthestrangenations,andletthem seethypower

4Asthouwastsanctifiedinusbeforethem:sobethou magnifiedamongthembeforeus

5Andletthemknowthee,aswehaveknownthee,that thereisnoGodbutonlythou,OGod.

6Shewnewsigns,andmakeotherstrangewonders:glorify thyhandandthyrightarm,thattheymaysetforththy wondrousworks.

7Raiseupindignation,andpouroutwrath:takeawaythe adversary,anddestroytheenemy

8Sakethetimeshort,rememberthecovenant,andletthem declarethywonderfulworks

9Lethimthatescapethbeconsumedbytherageofthefire; andletthemperishthatoppressthepeople.

10Smiteinsundertheheadsoftherulersoftheheathen, thatsay,Thereisnoneotherbutwe

11GatherallthetribesofJacobtogether,andinheritthou them,asfromthebeginning

12OLord,havemercyuponthepeoplethatiscalledby thyname,anduponIsrael,whomthouhastnamedthy firstborn

13ObemercifuluntoJerusalem,thyholycity,theplaceof thyrest.

14FillSionwiththineunspeakableoracles,andthypeople withthyglory:

15Givetestimonyuntothosethatthouhastpossessedfrom thebeginning,andraiseupprophetsthathavebeeninthy name

16Rewardthemthatwaitforthee,andletthyprophetsbe foundfaithful

17OLord,heartheprayerofthyservants,accordingtothe blessingofAaronoverthypeople,thatalltheywhich dwellupontheearthmayknowthatthouarttheLord,the eternalGod.

18Thebellydevourethallmeats,yetisonemeatbetter thananother

19Asthepalatetastethdiverskindsofvenison:sodothan heartofunderstandingfalsespeeches

20Afrowardheartcausethheaviness:butamanof experiencewillrecompensehim.

21Awomanwillreceiveeveryman,yetisonedaughter betterthananother

22Thebeautyofawomancheereththecountenance,anda manlovethnothingbetter

23Iftherebekindness,meekness,andcomfort,inher tongue,thenisnotherhusbandlikeothermen.

24Hethatgettethawifebeginnethapossession,ahelp likeuntohimself,andapillarofrest

25Wherenohedgeis,therethepossessionisspoiled:and hethathathnowifewillwanderupanddownmourning

26Whowilltrustathiefwellappointed,thatskippethfrom citytocity?sowhowillbelieveamanthathathnohouse, andlodgethwheresoeverthenighttakethhim?

CHAPTER37

1Everyfriendsaith,Iamhisfriendalso:butthereisa friend,whichisonlyafriendinname.

2Isitnotagriefuntodeath,whenacompanionandfriend isturnedtoanenemy?

3Owickedimagination,whencecamestthouintocover theearthwithdeceit?

4Thereisacompanion,whichrejoicethintheprosperity ofafriend,butinthetimeoftroublewillbeagainsthim

5Thereisacompanion,whichhelpethhisfriendforthe belly,andtakethupthebuckleragainsttheenemy

6Forgetnotthyfriendinthymind,andbenotunmindful ofhiminthyriches.

7Everycounsellorextollethcounsel;butthereissomethat counsellethforhimself

8Bewareofacounsellor,andknowbeforewhatneedhe hath;forhewillcounselforhimself;lesthecastthelot uponthee,

9Andsayuntothee,Thywayisgood:andafterwardhe standontheotherside,toseewhatshallbefallthee

10Consultnotwithonethatsuspecteththee:andhidethy counselfromsuchasenvythee.

11Neitherconsultwithawomantouchingherofwhom sheisjealous;neitherwithacowardinmattersofwar;nor withamerchantconcerningexchange;norwithabuyerof selling;norwithanenviousmanofthankfulness;norwith anunmercifulmantouchingkindness;norwiththeslothful foranywork;norwithanhirelingforayearoffinishing work;norwithanidleservantofmuchbusiness:hearken notuntotheseinanymatterofcounsel.

12Butbecontinuallywithagodlyman,whomthou knowesttokeepthecommandmentsoftheLord,whose, mindisaccordingtothymind,andwillsorrowwiththee,if thoushaltmiscarry.

13Andletthecounselofthineownheartstand:forthereis nomanmorefaithfuluntotheethanit

14Foraman'smindissometimewonttotellhimmore thansevenwatchmen,thatsitaboveinanhightower

15AndaboveallthispraytothemostHigh,thathewill directthywayintruth

16Letreasongobeforeeveryenterprize,andcounsel beforeeveryaction.

17Thecountenanceisasignofchangingoftheheart.

18Fourmannerofthingsappear:goodandevil,lifeand death:butthetonguerulethoverthemcontinually.

19Thereisonethatiswiseandteachethmany,andyetis unprofitabletohimself

20Thereisonethatshewethwisdominwords,andishated: heshallbedestituteofallfood

21Forgraceisnotgiven,himfromtheLord,becauseheis deprivedofallwisdom.

22Anotheriswisetohimself;andthefruitsof understandingarecommendableinhismouth

23Awisemaninstructethhispeople;andthefruitsofhis understandingfailnot

24Awisemanshallbefilledwithblessing;andallthey thatseehimshallcounthimhappy.

25Thedaysofthelifeofmanmaybenumbered:butthe daysofIsraelareinnumerable

26Awisemanshallinheritgloryamonghispeople,and hisnameshallbeperpetual

27Myson,provethysoulinthylife,andseewhatisevil forit,andgivenotthatuntoit.

28Forallthingsarenotprofitableforallmen,neitherhath everysoulpleasureineverything

29Benotunsatiableinanydaintything,nortoogreedy uponmeats:

30Forexcessofmeatsbringethsickness,andsurfeiting willturnintocholer.

31Bysurfeitinghavemanyperished;buthethattaketh heedprolongethhislife

CHAPTER38

1Honouraphysicianwiththehonourdueuntohimforthe useswhichyemayhaveofhim:fortheLordhathcreated him

2ForofthemostHighcomethhealing,andheshall receivehonouroftheking

3Theskillofthephysicianshallliftuphishead:andinthe sightofgreatmenheshallbeinadmiration.

4TheLordhathcreatedmedicinesoutoftheearth;andhe thatiswisewillnotabhorthem

5Wasnotthewatermadesweetwithwood,thatthevirtue thereofmightbeknown?

6Andhehathgivenmenskill,thathemightbehonoured inhismarvellousworks.

7Withsuchdothhehealmen,andtakethawaytheirpains 8Ofsuchdoththeapothecarymakeaconfection;andof hisworksthereisnoend;andfromhimispeaceoverall theearth,

9Myson,inthysicknessbenotnegligent:butprayunto theLord,andhewillmaketheewhole.

10Leaveofffromsin,andorderthinehandsaright,and cleansethyheartfromallwickedness

11Giveasweetsavour,andamemorialoffineflour;and makeafatoffering,asnotbeing

12Thengiveplacetothephysician,fortheLordhath createdhim:lethimnotgofromthee,forthouhastneedof him

13Thereisatimewhenintheirhandsthereisgood success

14FortheyshallalsoprayuntotheLord,thathewould prosperthat,whichtheygiveforeaseandremedyto prolonglife.

15HethatsinnethbeforehisMaker,lethimfallintothe handofthephysician.

16Myson,lettearsfalldownoverthedead,andbeginto lament,asifthouhadstsufferedgreatharmthyself;and thencoverhisbodyaccordingtothecustom,andneglect nothisburial

17Weepbitterly,andmakegreatmoan,anduse lamentation,asheisworthy,andthatadayortwo,lest thoubeevilspokenof:andthencomfortthyselfforthy heaviness

18Forofheavinesscomethdeath,andtheheavinessofthe heartbreakethstrength

19Inafflictionalsosorrowremaineth:andthelifeofthe pooristhecurseoftheheart.

20Takenoheavinesstoheart:driveitaway,andmember thelastend

21Forgetitnot,forthereisnoturningagain:thoushaltnot dohimgood,buthurtthyself

22Remembermyjudgment:forthinealsoshallbeso; yesterdayforme,andtodayforthee.

23Whenthedeadisatrest,lethisremembrancerest;and becomfortedforhim,whenhisSpiritisdepartedfromhim 24Thewisdomofalearnedmancomethbyopportunityof leisure:andhethathathlittlebusinessshallbecomewise 25Howcanhegetwisdomthatholdeththeplough,and thatgloriethinthegoad,thatdrivethoxen,andisoccupied intheirlabours,andwhosetalkisofbullocks?

26Hegivethhismindtomakefurrows;andisdiligentto givethekinefodder

27Soeverycarpenterandworkmaster,thatlabourethnight andday:andtheythatcutandgraveseals,andarediligent tomakegreatvariety,andgivethemselvestocounterfeit imagery,andwatchtofinishawork:

28Thesmithalsosittingbytheanvil,andconsideringthe ironwork,thevapourofthefirewastethhisflesh,andhe fightethwiththeheatofthefurnace:thenoiseofthe hammerandtheanviliseverinhisears,andhiseyeslook stilluponthepatternofthethingthathemaketh;hesetteth hismindtofinishhiswork,andwatchethtopolishit perfectly:

29Sodoththepottersittingathiswork,andturningthe wheelaboutwithhisfeet,whoisalwaycarefullysetathis work,andmakethallhisworkbynumber; 30Hefashioneththeclaywithhisarm,andbowethdown hisstrengthbeforehisfeet;heappliethhimselftoleadit over;andheisdiligenttomakecleanthefurnace: 31Allthesetrusttotheirhands:andeveryoneiswisein hiswork.

32Withoutthesecannotacitybeinhabited:andtheyshall notdwellwheretheywill,norgoupanddown:

33Theyshallnotbesoughtforinpublickcounsel,norsit highinthecongregation:theyshallnotsitonthejudges' seat,norunderstandthesentenceofjudgment:theycannot declarejusticeandjudgment;andtheyshallnotbefound whereparablesarespoken

34Buttheywillmaintainthestateoftheworld,andall theirdesireisintheworkoftheircraft

CHAPTER39

1ButhethatgivethhismindtothelawofthemostHigh, andisoccupiedinthemeditationthereof,willseekoutthe wisdomofalltheancient,andbeoccupiedinprophecies.

2Hewillkeepthesayingsoftherenownedmen:and wheresubtilparablesare,hewillbetherealso.

3Hewillseekoutthesecretsofgravesentences,andbe conversantindarkparables

4Heshallserveamonggreatmen,andappearbefore princes:hewilltravelthroughstrangecountries;forhe hathtriedthegoodandtheevilamongmen

5HewillgivehishearttoresortearlytotheLordthat madehim,andwillpraybeforethemostHigh,andwill openhismouthinprayer,andmakesupplicationforhis sins.

6WhenthegreatLordwill,heshallbefilledwiththespirit ofunderstanding:heshallpouroutwisesentences,and givethanksuntotheLordinhisprayer.

7Heshalldirecthiscounselandknowledge,andinhis secretsshallhemeditate

8Heshallshewforththatwhichhehathlearned,andshall gloryinthelawofthecovenantoftheLord

9Manyshallcommendhisunderstanding;andsolongas theworldendureth,itshallnotbeblottedout;hismemorial shallnotdepartaway,andhisnameshalllivefrom generationtogeneration

10Nationsshallshewforthhiswisdom,andthe congregationshalldeclarehispraise

11Ifhedie,heshallleaveagreaternamethanathousand: andifhelive,heshallincreaseit.

12YethaveImoretosay,whichIhavethoughtupon;forI amfilledasthemoonatthefull

13Hearkenuntome,yeholychildren,andbudforthasa rosegrowingbythebrookofthefield:

14Andgiveyeasweetsavourasfrankincense,and flourishasalily,sendforthasmell,andsingasongof praise,blesstheLordinallhisworks

15Magnifyhisname,andshewforthhispraisewiththe songsofyourlips,andwithharps,andinpraisinghimye shallsayafterthismanner:

16AlltheworksoftheLordareexceedinggood,and whatsoeverhecommandethshallbeaccomplishedindue season

17Andnonemaysay,Whatisthis?whereforeisthat?for attimeconvenienttheyshallallbesoughtout:athis commandmentthewatersstoodasanheap,andatthe wordsofhismouththereceptaclesofwaters

18Athiscommandmentisdonewhatsoeverpleasethhim; andnonecanhinder,whenhewillsave

19Theworksofallflesharebeforehim,andnothingcan behidfromhiseyes.

20Heseethfromeverlastingtoeverlasting;andthereis nothingwonderfulbeforehim.

21Amanneednottosay,Whatisthis?whereforeisthat? forhehathmadeallthingsfortheiruses

22Hisblessingcoveredthedrylandasariver,andwatered itasaflood.

23Ashehathturnedthewatersintosaltness:soshallthe heatheninherithiswrath

24Ashiswaysareplainuntotheholy;soarethey stumblingblocksuntothewicked

25Forthegoodaregoodthingscreatedfromthebeginning: soevilthingsforsinners

26Theprincipalthingsforthewholeuseofman'slifeare water,fire,iron,andsalt,flourofwheat,honey,milk,and thebloodofthegrape,andoil,andclothing.

27Allthesethingsareforgoodtothegodly:sotothe sinnerstheyareturnedintoevil.

28Therebespiritsthatarecreatedforvengeance,whichin theirfurylayonsorestrokes;inthetimeofdestruction theypourouttheirforce,andappeasethewrathofhimthat madethem

29Fire,andhail,andfamine,anddeath,allthesewere createdforvengeance;

30Teethofwildbeasts,andscorpions,serpents,andthe swordpunishingthewickedtodestruction

31Theyshallrejoiceinhiscommandment,andtheyshall bereadyuponearth,whenneedis;andwhentheirtimeis come,theyshallnottransgresshisword

32ThereforefromthebeginningIwasresolved,and thoughtuponthesethings,andhavelefttheminwriting

33AlltheworksoftheLordaregood:andhewillgive everyneedfulthingindueseason.

34Sothatamancannotsay,Thisisworsethanthat:forin timetheyshallallbewellapproved

35AndthereforepraiseyetheLordwiththewholeheart andmouth,andblessthenameoftheLord

CHAPTER40

1Greattravailiscreatedforeveryman,andanheavyyoke isuponthesonsofAdam,fromthedaythattheygooutof

theirmother'swomb,tillthedaythattheyreturntothe motherofallthings

2Theirimaginationofthingstocome,andthedayofdeath, troubletheirthoughts,andcausefearofheart;

3Fromhimthatsittethonathroneofglory,untohimthat ishumbledinearthandashes;

4Fromhimthatwearethpurpleandacrown,untohimthat isclothedwithalinenfrock

5Wrath,andenvy,trouble,andunquietness,fearofdeath, andanger,andstrife,andinthetimeofrestuponhisbed hisnightsleep,dochangehisknowledge

6Alittleornothingishisrest,andafterwardheisinhis sleep,asinadayofkeepingwatch,troubledinthevision ofhisheart,asifhewereescapedoutofabattle

7Whenallissafe,heawaketh,andmarvelleththatthefear wasnothing

8Suchthingshappenuntoallflesh,bothmanandbeast, andthatissevenfoldmoreuponsinners.

9Death,andbloodshed,strife,andsword,calamities, famine,tribulation,andthescourge;

10Thesethingsarecreatedforthewicked,andfortheir sakescametheflood

11Allthingsthatareoftheearthshallturntotheearth again:andthatwhichisofthewatersdothreturnintothe sea

12Allbriberyandinjusticeshallbeblottedout:buttrue dealingshallendureforever.

13Thegoodsoftheunjustshallbedrieduplikeariver, andshallvanishwithnoise,likeagreatthunderinrain

14Whileheopenethhishandheshallrejoice:soshall transgressorscometonought

15Thechildrenoftheungodlyshallnotbringforthmany branches:butareasuncleanrootsuponahardrock

16Theweedgrowinguponeverywaterandbankofariver shallbepulledupbeforeallgrass.

17Bountifulnessisasamostfruitfulgarden,and mercifulnessendurethforever

18Tolabour,andtobecontentwiththatamanhath,isa sweetlife:buthethatfindethatreasureisabovethemboth

19Childrenandthebuildingofacitycontinueaman's name:butablamelesswifeiscountedabovethemboth.

20Wineandmusickrejoicetheheart:buttheloveof wisdomisabovethemboth

21Thepipeandthepsalterymakesweetmelody:buta pleasanttongueisabovethemboth

22Thineeyedesirethfavourandbeauty:butmorethan bothcornwhileitisgreen.

23Afriendandcompanionnevermeetamiss:butabove bothisawifewithherhusband

24Brethrenandhelpareagainsttimeoftrouble:butalms shalldelivermorethanthemboth

25Goldandsilvermakethefootstandsure:butcounselis esteemedabovethemboth.

26Richesandstrengthliftuptheheart:butthefearofthe Lordisabovethemboth:thereisnowantinthefearofthe Lord,anditneedethnottoseekhelp.

27ThefearoftheLordisafruitfulgarden,andcovereth himaboveallglory

28Myson,leadnotabeggar'slife;forbetteritistodie thantobeg

29Thelifeofhimthatdependethonanotherman'stableis nottobecountedforalife;forhepollutethhimselfwith

othermen'smeat:butawisemanwellnurturedwillbeware thereof

30Beggingissweetinthemouthoftheshameless:butin hisbellythereshallburnafire

CHAPTER41

1Odeath,howbitteristheremembranceoftheetoaman thatlivethatrestinhispossessions,untothemanthathath nothingtovexhim,andthathathprosperityinallthings: yea,untohimthatisyetabletoreceivemeat!

2Odeath,acceptableisthysentenceuntotheneedy,and untohimwhosestrengthfaileth,thatisnowinthelastage, andisvexedwithallthings,andtohimthatdespaireth,and hathlostpatience!

3Fearnotthesentenceofdeath,rememberthemthathave beenbeforethee,andthatcomeafter;forthisisthe sentenceoftheLordoverallflesh.

4AndwhyartthouagainstthepleasureofthemostHigh? thereisnoinquisitioninthegrave,whetherthouhavelived ten,oranhundred,orathousandyears.

5Thechildrenofsinnersareabominablechildren,andthey thatareconversantinthedwellingoftheungodly.

6Theinheritanceofsinners'childrenshallperish,andtheir posterityshallhaveaperpetualreproach

7Thechildrenwillcomplainofanungodlyfather,because theyshallbereproachedforhissake.

8Woebeuntoyou,ungodlymen,whichhaveforsakenthe lawofthemosthighGod!forifyeincrease,itshallbeto yourdestruction:

9Andifyebeborn,yeshallbeborntoacurse:andifye die,acurseshallbeyourportion.

10Allthatareoftheearthshallturntoearthagain:sothe ungodlyshallgofromacursetodestruction

11Themourningofmenisabouttheirbodies:butanill nameofsinnersshallbeblottedout.

12Haveregardtothyname;forthatshallcontinuewith theeaboveathousandgreattreasuresofgold.

13Agoodlifehathbutfewdays:butagoodname endurethforever

14Mychildren,keepdisciplineinpeace:forwisdomthat ishid,andatreasurethatisnotseen,whatprofitisinthem both?

15Amanthathidethhisfoolishnessisbetterthanaman thathidethhiswisdom

16Thereforebeshamefacedaccordingtomyword:foritis notgoodtoretainallshamefacedness;neitherisit altogetherapprovedineverything

17Beashamedofwhoredombeforefatherandmother:and ofaliebeforeaprinceandamightyman;

18Ofanoffencebeforeajudgeandruler;ofiniquity beforeacongregationandpeople;ofunjustdealingbefore thypartnerandfriend;

19Andoftheftinregardoftheplacewherethou sojournest,andinregardofthetruthofGodandhis covenant;andtoleanwiththineelbowuponthemeat;and ofscorningtogiveandtake;

20Andofsilencebeforethemthatsalutethee;andtolook uponanharlot;

21Andtoturnawaythyfacefromthykinsman;ortotake awayaportionoragift;ortogazeuponanotherman'swife

22Ortobeoverbusywithhismaid,andcomenotnearher bed;orofupbraidingspeechesbeforefriends;andafter thouhastgiven,upbraidnot;

23Orofiteratingandspeakingagainthatwhichthouhast heard;andofrevealingofsecrets

24Soshaltthoubetrulyshamefacedandfindfavour beforeallmen

CHAPTER42

1Ofthesethingsbenotthouashamed,andacceptno persontosinthereby:

2OfthelawofthemostHigh,andhiscovenant;andof judgmenttojustifytheungodly;

3Ofreckoningwiththypartnersandtravellers;orofthe giftoftheheritageoffriends;

4Ofexactnessofbalanceandweights;orofgettingmuch orlittle;

5Andofmerchants'indifferentselling;ofmuchcorrection ofchildren;andtomakethesideofanevilservanttobleed

6Surekeepingisgood,whereanevilwifeis;andshutup, wheremanyhandsare

7Deliverallthingsinnumberandweight;andputallin writingthatthougivestout,orreceivestin.

8Benotashamedtoinformtheunwiseandfoolish,andthe extremeagedthatcontendethwiththosethatareyoung: thusshaltthoubetrulylearned,andapprovedofallmen

living

9Thefatherwakethforthedaughter,whennoman knoweth;andthecareforhertakethawaysleep:whenshe isyoung,lestshepassawaytheflowerofherage;and beingmarried,lestsheshouldbehated:

10Inhervirginity,lestsheshouldbedefiledandgotten withchildinherfather'shouse;andhavinganhusband, lestsheshouldmisbehaveherself;andwhensheismarried, lestsheshouldbebarren.

11Keepasurewatchoverashamelessdaughter,lestshe maketheealaughingstocktothineenemies,andabyword inthecity,andareproachamongthepeople,andmake theeashamedbeforethemultitude

12Beholdnoteverybody'sbeauty,andsitnotinthemidst ofwomen

13Forfromgarmentscomethamoth,andfromwomen wickedness.

14Betteristhechurlishnessofamanthanacourteous woman,awoman,Isay,whichbringethshameand reproach.

15IwillnowremembertheworksoftheLord,anddeclare thethingsthatIhaveseen:InthewordsoftheLordarehis works.

16Thesunthatgivethlightlookethuponallthings,andthe workthereofisfullofthegloryoftheLord

17TheLordhathnotgivenpowertothesaintstodeclare allhismarvellousworks,whichtheAlmightyLordfirmly settled,thatwhatsoeverismightbeestablishedforhis glory.

18Heseekethoutthedeep,andtheheart,andconsidereth theircraftydevices:fortheLordknowethallthatmaybe known,andhebeholdeththesignsoftheworld.

19Hedeclareththethingsthatarepast,andfortocome, andrevealeththestepsofhiddenthings

20Nothoughtescapethhim,neitheranywordishidden fromhim

21Hehathgarnishedtheexcellentworksofhiswisdom, andheisfromeverlastingtoeverlasting:untohimmay nothingbeadded,neithercanhebediminished,andhe hathnoneedofanycounsellor

22Ohhowdesirableareallhisworks!andthatamanmay seeeventoaspark.

23Allthesethingsliveandremainforeverforalluses, andtheyareallobedient

24Allthingsaredoubleoneagainstanother:andhehath madenothingimperfect

25Onethingestablisheththegoodoranother:andwho shallbefilledwithbeholdinghisglory?

CHAPTER43

1Theprideoftheheight,theclearfirmament,thebeauty ofheaven,withhisgloriousshew;

2Thesunwhenitappeareth,declaringathisrisinga marvellousinstrument,theworkofthemostHigh:

3Atnoonitparcheththecountry,andwhocanabidethe burningheatthereof?

4Amanblowingafurnaceisinworksofheat,butthesun burneththemountainsthreetimesmore;breathingoutfiery vapours,andsendingforthbrightbeams,itdimmeththe eyes

5GreatistheLordthatmadeit;andathiscommandment runnethhastily.

6Hemadethemoonalsotoserveinherseasonfora declarationoftimes,andasignoftheworld

7Fromthemoonisthesignoffeasts,alightthat decreasethinherperfection

8Themonthiscalledafterhername,increasing wonderfullyinherchanging,beinganinstrumentofthe armiesabove,shininginthefirmamentofheaven;

9Thebeautyofheaven,thegloryofthestars,anornament givinglightinthehighestplacesoftheLord.

10AtthecommandmentoftheHolyOnetheywillstandin theirorder,andneverfaintintheirwatches.

11Lookupontherainbow,andpraisehimthatmadeit; verybeautifulitisinthebrightnessthereof

12Itcompasseththeheavenaboutwithagloriouscircle, andthehandsofthemostHighhavebendedit

13Byhiscommandmenthemakeththesnowtofallaplace, andsendethswiftlythelightningsofhisjudgment.

14Throughthisthetreasuresareopened:andcloudsfly forthasfowls

15Byhisgreatpowerhemakeththecloudsfirm,andthe hailstonesarebrokensmall

16Athissightthemountainsareshaken,andathiswillthe southwindbloweth.

17Thenoiseofthethundermakeththeearthtotremble:so doththenorthernstormandthewhirlwind:asbirdsflying hescattereththesnow,andthefallingdownthereofisas thelightingofgrasshoppers:

18Theeyemarvellethatthebeautyofthewhiteness thereof,andtheheartisastonishedattherainingofit.

19Thehoarfrostalsoassalthepourethontheearth,and beingcongealed,itliethonthetopofsharpstakes

20Whenthecoldnorthwindbloweth,andthewateris congealedintoice,itabidethuponeverygatheringtogether ofwater,andclotheththewateraswithabreastplate

21Itdevoureththemountains,andburneththewilderness, andconsumeththegrassasfire

22Apresentremedyofallisamistcomingspeedily,a dewcomingafterheatrefresheth

23Byhiscounselheappeaseththedeep,andplanteth islandstherein

24Theythatsailontheseatellofthedangerthereof;and whenwehearitwithourears,wemarvelthereat.

25Forthereinbestrangeandwondrousworks,varietyof allkindsofbeastsandwhalescreated

26Byhimtheendofthemhathprosperoussuccess,andby hiswordallthingsconsist

27Wemayspeakmuch,andyetcomeshort:whereforein sum,heisall.

28Howshallwebeabletomagnifyhim?forheisgreat aboveallhisworks

29TheLordisterribleandverygreat,andmarvellousis hispower

30WhenyeglorifytheLord,exalthimasmuchasyecan; forevenyetwillhefarexceed:andwhenyeexalthim,put forthallyourstrength,andbenotweary;foryecannever gofarenough

31Whohathseenhim,thathemighttellus?andwhocan magnifyhimasheis?

32Thereareyethidgreaterthingsthanthesebe,forwe haveseenbutafewofhisworks.

33FortheLordhathmadeallthings;andtothegodlyhath hegivenwisdom

CHAPTER44

1Letusnowpraisefamousmen,andourfathersthatbegat us

2TheLordhathwroughtgreatglorybythemthroughhis greatpowerfromthebeginning

3Suchasdidbearruleintheirkingdoms,menrenowned fortheirpower,givingcounselbytheirunderstanding,and declaringprophecies:

4Leadersofthepeoplebytheircounsels,andbytheir knowledgeoflearningmeetforthepeople,wiseand eloquentaretheirinstructions:

5Suchasfoundoutmusicaltunes,andrecitedversesin writing:

6Richmenfurnishedwithability,livingpeaceablyintheir habitations:

7Allthesewerehonouredintheirgenerations,andwere thegloryoftheirtimes

8Therebeofthem,thathaveleftanamebehindthem,that theirpraisesmightbereported.

9Andsometherebe,whichhavenomemorial;whoare perished,asthoughtheyhadneverbeen;andarebecomeas thoughtheyhadneverbeenborn;andtheirchildrenafter them

10Buttheseweremercifulmen,whoserighteousnesshath notbeenforgotten.

11Withtheirseedshallcontinuallyremainagood inheritance,andtheirchildrenarewithinthecovenant

12Theirseedstandethfast,andtheirchildrenfortheir sakes

13Theirseedshallremainforever,andtheirgloryshall notbeblottedout.

14Theirbodiesareburiedinpeace;buttheirnameliveth forevermore

15Thepeoplewilltelloftheirwisdom,andthe congregationwillshewforththeirpraise

16EnochpleasedtheLord,andwastranslated,beingan exampleofrepentancetoallgenerations

17Noahwasfoundperfectandrighteous;inthetimeof wrathhewastakeninexchangefortheworld;therefore washeleftasaremnantuntotheearth,whentheflood came.

18Aneverlastingcovenantwasmadewithhim,thatall fleshshouldperishnomorebytheflood

19Abrahamwasagreatfatherofmanypeople:inglory wastherenonelikeuntohim;

20WhokeptthelawofthemostHigh,andwasin covenantwithhim:heestablishedthecovenantinhisflesh; andwhenhewasproved,hewasfoundfaithful 21Thereforeheassuredhimbyanoath,thathewould blessthenationsinhisseed,andthathewouldmultiply himasthedustoftheearth,andexalthisseedasthestars, andcausethemtoinheritfromseatosea,andfromthe riveruntotheutmostpartoftheland.

22WithIsaacdidheestablishlikewiseforAbrahamhis father'ssaketheblessingofallmen,andthecovenant,And madeitrestupontheheadofJacob.Heacknowledgedhim inhisblessing,andgavehimanheritage,anddividedhis portions;amongthetwelvetribesdidhepartthem.

CHAPTER45

1Andhebroughtoutofhimamercifulman,whichfound favourinthesightofallflesh,evenMoses,belovedofGod andmen,whosememorialisblessed

2Hemadehimliketotheglorioussaints,andmagnified him,sothathisenemiesstoodinfearofhim

3Byhiswordshecausedthewonderstocease,andhe madehimgloriousinthesightofkings,andgavehima commandmentforhispeople,andshewedhimpartofhis glory.

4Hesanctifiedhiminhisfaithfulessandmeekness,and chosehimoutofallmen

5Hemadehimtohearhisvoice,andbroughthimintothe darkcloud,andgavehimcommandmentsbeforehisface, eventhelawoflifeandknowledge,thathemightteach Jacobhiscovenants,andIsraelhisjudgments.

6HeexaltedAaron,anholymanlikeuntohim,evenhis brother,ofthetribeofLevi

7Aneverlastingcovenanthemadewithhimandgavehim thepriesthoodamongthepeople;hebeautifiedhimwith comelyornaments,andclothedhimwitharobeofglory 8Heputuponhimperfectglory;andstrengthenedhim withrichgarments,withbreeches,withalongrobe,and theephod

9Andhecompassedhimwithpomegranates,andwith manygoldenbellsroundabout,thatashewenttheremight beasound,andanoisemadethatmightbeheardinthe temple,foramemorialtothechildrenofhispeople;

10Withanholygarment,withgold,andbluesilk,and purple,theworkoftheembroidere,withabreastplateof judgment,andwithUrimandThummim;

11Withtwistedscarlet,theworkofthecunningworkman, withpreciousstonesgravenlikeseals,andsetingold,the workofthejeweller,withawritingengravedfora memorial,afterthenumberofthetribesofIsrael

12Hesetacrownofgolduponthemitre,whereinwas engravedHoliness,anornamentofhonour,acostlywork, thedesiresoftheeyes,goodlyandbeautiful

13Beforehimtherewerenonesuch,neitherdideverany strangerputthemon,butonlyhischildrenandhis children'schildrenperpetually.

14Theirsacrificesshallbewhollyconsumedeveryday twicecontinually

15Mosesconsecratedhim,andanointedhimwithholyoil: thiswasappointeduntohimbyaneverlastingcovenant, andtohisseed,solongastheheavensshouldremain,that theyshouldministeruntohim,andexecutetheofficeofthe priesthood,andblessthepeopleinhisname

16Hechosehimoutofallmenlivingtooffersacrificesto theLord,incense,andasweetsavour,foramemorial,to makereconciliationforhispeople

17Hegaveuntohimhiscommandments,andauthorityin thestatutesofjudgments,thatheshouldteachJacobthe testimonies,andinformIsraelinhislaws

18Strangersconspiredtogetheragainsthim,andmaligned himinthewilderness,eventhementhatwereofDathan's andAbiron'sside,andthecongregationofCore,withfury andwrath

19ThistheLordsaw,anditdispleasedhim,andinhis wrathfulindignationweretheyconsumed:hedidwonders uponthem,toconsumethemwiththefieryflame.

20ButhemadeAaronmorehonourable,andgavehiman heritage,anddivideduntohimthefirstfruitsoftheincrease; especiallyhepreparedbreadinabundance:

21FortheyeatofthesacrificesoftheLord,whichhegave untohimandhisseed

22Howbeitinthelandofthepeoplehehadnoinheritance, neitherhadheanyportionamongthepeople:fortheLord himselfishisportionandinheritance

23ThethirdingloryisPhineesthesonofEleazar,because hehadzealinthefearoftheLord,andstoodupwithgood courageofheart:whenthepeoplewereturnedback,and madereconciliationforIsrael.

24Thereforewasthereacovenantofpeacemadewithhim, thatheshouldbethechiefofthesanctuaryandofhis people,andthatheandhisposterityshouldhavethe dignityofthepriesthoodforever:

25AccordingtothecovenantmadewithDavidsonof Jesse,ofthetribeofJuda,thattheinheritanceoftheking shouldbetohisposterityalone:sotheinheritanceofAaron shouldalsobeuntohisseed

26Godgiveyouwisdominyourhearttojudgehispeople inrighteousness,thattheirgoodthingsbenotabolished, andthattheirglorymayendureforever

CHAPTER46

1JesusthesonaNavewasvaliantinthewars,andwasthe successorofMosesinprophecies,whoaccordingtohis namewasmadegreatforthesavingoftheelectofGod, andtakingvengeanceoftheenemiesthatroseupagainst them,thathemightsetIsraelintheirinheritance

2Howgreatglorygathe,whenhedidliftuphishands, andstretchedouthisswordagainstthecities!

3Whobeforehimsostoodtoit?fortheLordhimself broughthisenemiesuntohim

4Didnotthesungobackbyhismeans?andwasnotone dayaslongastwo?

5HecalleduponthemosthighLord,whentheenemies presseduponhimoneveryside;andthegreatLordheard him

6Andwithhailstonesofmightypowerhemadethebattle tofallviolentlyuponthenations,andinthedescentof Beth-horonhedestroyedthemthatresisted,thatthenations mightknowalltheirstrength,becausehefoughtinthe sightoftheLord,andhefollowedtheMightyOne

7InthetimeofMosesalsohedidaworkofmercy,heand CalebthesonofJephunne,inthattheywithstoodthe congregation,andwithheldthepeoplefromsin,and appeasedthewickedmurmuring.

8Andofsixhundredthousandpeopleonfoot,theytwo werepreservedtobringthemintotheheritage,evenunto thelandthatflowethwithmilkandhoney.

9TheLordgavestrengthalsountoCaleb,whichremained withhimuntohisoldage:sothatheentereduponthehigh placesoftheland,andhisseedobtaineditforanheritage:

10ThatallthechildrenofIsraelmightseethatitisgoodto followtheLord

11Andconcerningthejudges,everyonebyname,whose heartwentnotawhoring,nordepartedfromtheLord,let theirmemorybeblessed

12Lettheirbonesflourishoutoftheirplace,andletthe nameofthemthatwerehonouredbecontinuedupontheir children.

13Samuel,theprophetoftheLord,belovedofhisLord, establishedakingdom,andanointedprincesoverhis people

14BythelawoftheLordhejudgedthecongregation,and theLordhadrespectuntoJacob

15Byhisfaithfulnesshewasfoundatrueprophet,andby hiswordhewasknowntobefaithfulinvision

16HecalleduponthemightyLord,whenhisenemies presseduponhimoneveryside,whenheofferedthe suckinglamb

17AndtheLordthunderedfromheaven,andwithagreat noisemadehisvoicetobeheard.

18AndhedestroyedtherulersoftheTyrians,andallthe princesofthePhilistines

19Andbeforehislongsleephemadeprotestationsinthe sightoftheLordandhisanointed,Ihavenottakenany man'sgoods,somuchasashoe:andnomandidaccuse him.

20Andafterhisdeathheprophesied,andshewedtheking hisend,andlifteduphisvoicefromtheearthinprophecy, toblotoutthewickednessofthepeople.

CHAPTER47

1AndafterhimroseupNathantoprophesyinthetimeof David 2Asisthefattakenawayfromthepeaceoffering,sowas DavidchosenoutofthechildrenofIsrael

3Heplayedwithlionsaswithkids,andwithbearsaswith lambs.

4Slewhenotagiant,whenhewasyetbutyoung?anddid henottakeawayreproachfromthepeople,whenhelifted uphishandwiththestoneinthesling,andbeatdownthe boastingofGoliath?

5ForhecalleduponthemosthighLord;andhegavehim strengthinhisrighthandtoslaythatmightywarrior,and setupthehornofhispeople

6Sothepeoplehonouredhimwithtenthousands,and praisedhimintheblessingsoftheLord,inthathegave himacrownofglory

7Forhedestroyedtheenemiesoneveryside,andbrought tonoughtthePhilistineshisadversaries,andbraketheir horninsunderuntothisday.

8InallhisworkshepraisedtheHolyOnemosthighwith wordsofglory;withhiswholehearthesungsongs,and lovedhimthatmadehim.

9Hesetsingersalsobeforethealtar,thatbytheirvoices theymightmakesweetmelody,anddailysingpraisesin theirsongs.

10Hebeautifiedtheirfeasts,andsetinorderthesolemn timesuntiltheend,thattheymightpraisehisholyname, andthatthetemplemightsoundfrommorning.

11TheLordtookawayhissins,andexaltedhishornfor ever:hegavehimacovenantofkings,andathroneof gloryinIsrael.

12Afterhimroseupawiseson,andforhissakehedwelt atlarge

13Solomonreignedinapeaceabletime,andwashonoured; forGodmadeallquietroundabouthim,thathemight buildanhouseinhisname,andpreparehissanctuaryfor ever.

14Howwisewastthouinthyyouthand,asaflood,filled withunderstanding!

15Thysoulcoveredthewholeearth,andthoufilledstit withdarkparables

16Thynamewentfaruntotheislands;andforthypeace thouwastbeloved.

17Thecountriesmarvelledattheeforthysongs,and proverbs,andparables,andinterpretations

18BythenameoftheLordGod,whichiscalledtheLord GodofIsrael,thoudidstgathergoldastinanddidst multiplysilveraslead.

19Thoudidstbowthyloinsuntowomen,andbythybody thouwastbroughtintosubjection

20Thoudidststainthyhonour,andpollutethyseed:so thatthoubroughtestwrathuponthychildren,andwast grievedforthyfolly

21Sothekingdomwasdivided,andoutofEphraimruleda rebelliouskingdom

22ButtheLordwillneverleaveoffhismercy,neither shallanyofhisworksperish,neitherwillheabolishthe posterityofhiselect,andtheseedofhimthatlovethhim hewillnottakeaway:whereforehegavearemnantunto Jacob,andoutofhimarootuntoDavid.

23ThusrestedSolomonwithhisfathers,andofhisseedhe leftbehindhimRoboam,eventhefoolishnessofthepeople, andonethathadnounderstanding,whoturnedawaythe peoplethroughhiscounselTherewasalsoJeroboamthe sonofNebat,whocausedIsraeltosin,andshewed Ephraimthewayofsin:

24Andtheirsinsweremultipliedexceedingly,thatthey weredrivenoutoftheland

25Fortheysoughtoutallwickedness,tillthevengeance cameuponthem

CHAPTER48

1ThenstoodupEliastheprophetasfire,andhisword burnedlikealamp.

2Hebroughtasorefamineuponthem,andbyhiszealhe diminishedtheirnumber

3BythewordoftheLordheshutuptheheaven,andalso threetimesbroughtdownfire

4OElias,howwastthouhonouredinthywondrousdeeds! andwhomayglorylikeuntothee!

5Whodidstraiseupadeadmanfromdeath,andhissoul fromtheplaceofthedead,bythewordofthemostHigh:

6Whobroughtestkingstodestruction,andhonorablemen fromtheirbed:

7WhoheardesttherebukeoftheLordinSinai,andin Horebthejudgmentofvengeance:

8Whoannointedstkingstotakerevenge,andprophetsto succeedafterhim:

9Whowastakenupinawhirlwindoffire,andinachariot offieryhorses:

10Whowastordainedforreproofsintheirtimes,topacify thewrathoftheLord'sjudgment,beforeitbrakeforthinto fury,andtoturntheheartofthefatheruntotheson,andto restorethetribesofJacob

11Blessedaretheythatsawthee,andsleptinlove;forwe shallsurelylive.

12Eliasitwas,whowascoveredwithawhirlwind:and Eliseuswasfilledwithhisspirit:whilsthelived,hewas notmovedwiththepresenceofanyprince,neithercould anybringhimintosubjection

13Nowordcouldovercomehim;andafterhisdeathhis bodyprophesied.

14Hedidwondersinhislife,andathisdeathwerehis worksmarvellous

15Forallthisthepeoplerepentednot,neitherdeparted theyfromtheirsins,tilltheywerespoiledandcarriedout oftheirland,andwerescatteredthroughalltheearth:yet thereremainedasmallpeople,andarulerinthehouseof David:

16OfwhomsomedidthatwhichwaspleasingtoGod,and somemultipliedsins

17Ezekiasfortifiedhiscity,andbroughtinwaterintothe midstthereof:hediggedthehardrockwithiron,andmade wellsforwaters.

18InhistimeSennacheribcameup,andsentRabsaces, andlifteduphishandagainstSion,andboastedproudly.

19Thentrembledtheirheartsandhands,andtheywerein pain,aswomenintravail

20ButtheycalledupontheLordwhichismerciful,and stretchedouttheirhandstowardhim:andimmediatelythe HolyOneheardthemoutofheaven,anddeliveredthemby theministryofEsay.

21HesmotethehostoftheAssyrians,andhisangel destroyedthem

22ForEzekiashaddonethethingthatpleasedtheLord, andwasstronginthewaysofDavidhisfather,asEsaythe prophet,whowasgreatandfaithfulinhisvision,had commandedhim.

23Inhistimethesunwentbackward,andhelengthened theking'slife

24Hesawbyanexcellentspiritwhatshouldcometopass atthelast,andhecomfortedthemthatmournedinSion 25Heshewedwhatshouldcometopassforever,and secretthingsorevertheycame.

CHAPTER49

1TheremembranceofJosiasislikethecompositionofthe perfumethatismadebytheartoftheapothecary:itis sweetashoneyinallmouths,andasmusickatabanquetof wine

2Hebehavedhimselfuprightlyintheconversionofthe people,andtookawaytheabominationsofiniquity

3HedirectedhisheartuntotheLord,andinthetimeofthe ungodlyheestablishedtheworshipofGod

4All,exceptDavidandEzekiasandJosias,weredefective: fortheyforsookthelawofthemostHigh,eventhekings ofJudafailed

5Thereforehegavetheirpoweruntoothers,andtheir glorytoastrangenation.

6Theyburntthechosencityofthesanctuary,andmadethe streetsdesolate,accordingtotheprophecyofJeremias

7Fortheyentreatedhimevil,whoneverthelesswasa prophet,sanctifiedinhismother'swomb,thathemight rootout,andafflict,anddestroy;andthathemightbuild upalso,andplant.

8ItwasEzekielwhosawthegloriousvision,whichwas shewedhimuponthechariotofthecherubims

9Forhemadementionoftheenemiesunderthefigureof therain,anddirectedthemthatwentright

10Andofthetwelveprophetsletthememorialbeblessed, andlettheirbonesflourishagainoutoftheirplace:forthey comfortedJacob,anddeliveredthembyassuredhope

11HowshallwemagnifyZorobabel?evenhewasasa signetontherighthand:

12SowasJesusthesonofJosedec:whointheirtime buildedthehouse,andsetupanholytempletotheLord, whichwaspreparedforeverlastingglory.

13AndamongtheelectwasNeemias,whoserenownis great,whoraisedupforusthewallsthatwerefallen,and setupthegatesandthebars,andraisedupourruinsagain

14ButupontheearthwasnomancreatedlikeEnoch;for hewastakenfromtheearth.

15NeitherwasthereayoungmanbornlikeJoseph,a governorofhisbrethren,astayofthepeople,whosebones wereregardedoftheLord.

16SemandSethwereingreathonouramongmen,andso wasAdamaboveeverylivingthingincreation

CHAPTER50

1Simonthehighpriest,thesonofOnias,whoinhislife repairedthehouseagain,andinhisdaysfortifiedthe temple:

2Andbyhimwasbuiltfromthefoundationthedouble height,thehighfortressofthewallaboutthetemple:

3Inhisdaysthecisterntoreceivewater,beingincompass asthesea,wascoveredwithplatesofbrass:

4Hetookcareofthetemplethatitshouldnotfall,and fortifiedthecityagainstbesieging:

5Howwashehonouredinthemidstofthepeopleinhis comingoutofthesanctuary!

6Hewasasthemorningstarinthemidstofacloud,andas themoonatthefull:

7AsthesunshininguponthetempleofthemostHigh,and astherainbowgivinglightinthebrightclouds:

8Andastheflowerofrosesinthespringoftheyear,as liliesbytheriversofwaters,andasthebranchesofthe frankincensetreeinthetimeofsummer:

9Asfireandincenseinthecenser,andasavesselof beatengoldsetwithallmannerofpreciousstones:

10Andasafairolivetreebuddingforthfruit,andasa cypresstreewhichgrowethuptotheclouds.

11Whenheputontherobeofhonour,andwasclothed withtheperfectionofglory,whenhewentuptotheholy altar,hemadethegarmentofholinesshonourable.

12Whenhetooktheportionsoutofthepriests'hands,he himselfstoodbythehearthofthealtar,compassedabout, asayoungcedarinLibanus;andaspalmtreescompassed theyhimroundabout

13SowereallthesonsofAaronintheirglory,andthe oblationsoftheLordintheirhands,beforeallthe congregationofIsrael

14Andfinishingtheserviceatthealtar,thathemight adorntheofferingofthemosthighAlmighty,

15Hestretchedouthishandtothecup,andpouredofthe bloodofthegrape,hepouredoutatthefootofthealtara sweetsmellingsavouruntothemosthighKingofall.

16ThenshoutedthesonsofAaron,andsoundedthesilver trumpets,andmadeagreatnoisetobeheard,fora remembrancebeforethemostHigh.

17Thenallthepeopletogetherhasted,andfelldowntothe earthupontheirfacestoworshiptheirLordGodAlmighty, themostHigh.

18Thesingersalsosangpraiseswiththeirvoices,with greatvarietyofsoundswastheremadesweetmelody.

19AndthepeoplebesoughttheLord,themostHigh,by prayerbeforehimthatismerciful,tillthesolemnityofthe Lordwasended,andtheyhadfinishedhisservice 20Thenhewentdown,andlifteduphishandsoverthe wholecongregationofthechildrenofIsrael,togivethe blessingoftheLordwithhislips,andtorejoiceinhis name

21Andtheybowedthemselvesdowntoworshipthe secondtime,thattheymightreceiveablessingfromthe mostHigh

22NowthereforeblessyetheGodofall,whichonlydoeth wondrousthingseverywhere,whichexaltethourdays fromthewomb,anddealethwithusaccordingtohismercy. 23Hegrantusjoyfulnessofheart,andthatpeacemaybe inourdaysinIsraelforever:

24Thathewouldconfirmhismercywithus,anddeliverus athistime!

25Therebetwomannerofnationswhichmyheart abhorreth,andthethirdisnonation:

26TheythatsituponthemountainofSamaria,andthey thatdwellamongthePhilistines,andthatfoolishpeople thatdwellinSichem

27JesusthesonofSirachofJerusalemhathwritteninthis booktheinstructionofunderstandingandknowledge,who outofhisheartpouredforthwisdom

28Blessedishethatshallbeexercisedinthesethings;and hethatlayeththemupinhisheartshallbecomewise.

29Forifhedothem,heshallbestrongtoallthings:forthe lightoftheLordleadethhim,whogivethwisdomtothe godly.BlessedbethenameoftheLordforever.Amen, Amen

CHAPTER51

1APrayerofJesusthesonofSirachIwillthankthee,O LordandKing,andpraisethee,OGodmySaviour:Ido givepraiseuntothyname:

2Forthouartmydefenderandhelper,andhaspreserved mybodyfromdestruction,andfromthesnareofthe

slanderoustongue,andfromthelipsthatforgelies,andhas beenminehelperagainstmineadversaries:

3Andhastdeliveredme,accordingtothemultitudeofthey merciesandgreatnessofthyname,fromtheteethofthem thatwerereadytodevourme,andoutofthehandsofsuch assoughtaftermylife,andfromthemanifoldafflictions whichIhad;

4Fromthechokingoffireoneveryside,andfromthe midstofthefirewhichIkindlednot;

5Fromthedepthofthebellyofhell,fromanunclean tongue,andfromlyingwords

6Byanaccusationtothekingfromanunrighteoustongue mysouldrewnearevenuntodeath,mylifewasneartothe hellbeneath

7Theycompassedmeoneveryside,andtherewasnoman tohelpme:Ilookedforthesuccourofmen,buttherewas none

8ThenthoughtIuponthymercy,OLord,anduponthy actsofold,howthoudeliverestsuchaswaitforthee,and savestthemoutofthehandsoftheenemies

9ThenliftedIupmysupplicationsfromtheearth,and prayedfordeliverancefromdeath

10IcalledupontheLord,theFatherofmyLord,thathe wouldnotleavemeinthedaysofmytrouble,andinthe timeoftheproud,whentherewasnohelp

11Iwillpraisethynamecontinually,andwillsingpraises withthanksgiving;andsomyprayerwasheard:

12Forthousavedstmefromdestruction,anddeliveredst mefromtheeviltime:thereforewillIgivethanks,and praisethee,andblesstheyname,OLord

13WhenIwasyetyoung,oreverIwentabroad,Idesired wisdomopenlyinmyprayer.

14Iprayedforherbeforethetemple,andwillseekherout eventotheend

15Evenfromtheflowertillthegrapewasripehathmy heartdelightedinher:myfootwenttherightway,frommy youthupsoughtIafterher

16Iboweddownmineearalittle,andreceivedher,and gatmuchlearning

17Iprofitedtherein,thereforewillIascribegloryuntohim thatgivethmewisdom.

18ForIpurposedtodoafterher,andearnestlyIfollowed thatwhichisgood;soshallInotbeconfounded

19Mysoulhathwrestledwithher,andinmydoingsIwas exact:Istretchedforthmyhandstotheheavenabove,and bewailedmyignorancesofher

20Idirectedmysouluntoher,andIfoundherinpureness:

Ihavehadmyheartjoinedwithherfromthebeginning, thereforeshallInotbeforesaken

21Myheartwastroubledinseekingher:thereforehaveI gottenagoodpossession

22TheLordhathgivenmeatongueformyreward,andI willpraisehimtherewith.

23Drawnearuntome,yeunlearned,anddwellinthe houseoflearning

24Whereforeareyeslow,andwhatsayyetothesethings, seeingyoursoulsareverythirsty?

25Iopenedmymouth,andsaid,Buyherforyourselves withoutmoney.

26Putyourneckundertheyoke,andletyoursoulreceive instruction:sheishardathandtofind

27Beholdwithyoureyes,howthatIhavebutlittlelabour, andhavegottenuntomemuchrest

28Getlearningwithagreatsumofmoney,andgetmuch goldbyher

29Letyoursoulrejoiceinhismercy,andbenotashamed ofhispraise

30Workyourworkbetimes,andinhistimehewillgive youyourreward.