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The Voice of the Prophets: Wisdom of the Ages, Volume 4 of 12 Compiled By Marilynn Hughes bâà@Éy@ g{x bâà@Éy@UÉwç gÜtäxÄ YÉâÇwtà|ÉÇ4 www.outofbodytravel.org The Light of the World , Holman Hunt 2 Copyright © 2005, Marilynn Hughes All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this work or portions thereof in any form whatsoever without permission in writing from the publisher and author, except for brief passages in connection with a review. All credits for quotations are included in the Bibliography. For information, write to: bâà@Éy@ g{x bâà@Éy@UÉwç gÜtäxÄ YÉâÇwtà|ÉÇ4 www.outofbodytravel.org MarilynnHughes@aol.com If this book is unavailable from your local bookseller, it may be obtained directly from the Out-of-Body Travel Foundation by going to www.outofbodytravel.org. Having worked primarily in radio broadcasting, Marilynn Hughes spent several years as a news reporter, producer and anchor before deciding to stay at home with her three children. She's experienced, researched, written, and taught about out-of-body travel since 1987. Books by Marilynn Hughes: Come to Wisdom's Door How to Have an Out-of-Body Experience! g{x Mysteries Éy à{x Redemption A Treatise on Out-of-Body Travel and Mysticism g{x Mysteries Éy à{x Redemption Series in Five Volumes Volumes (Same Book - Choose Your Format!) Prelude to a Dream Passage to the Ancient Medicine Woman Within a Dream Absolute Dissolution of Body and Mind The Mystical Jesus GALACTICA A Treatise on Death, Dying and the Afterlife THE PALACE OF ANCIENT KNOWLEDGE A Treatise on Ancient Mysteries 3 Out-ofNear Death and Out-of-Body Experiences (Auspicious Births and Deaths) Of the Prophets, Saints, Mystics and Sages in World Religions The Voice of the Prophets Wisdom of the Ages - Volumes 1 - 12 The Former Angel! - A Children’s Tale Dedication: Prophets, To the Prophets, Saints, Mystics and Sages from every Religion and Throughout time . . . That They Might Have Voice! 4 CONTENTS: The Voice of the Prophets: 12 Wisdom of the Ages, Volume 4 to 12 Volume 1 Introduction CHAPTER ONE - HINDUISM Wisdom of the Prophet Krishna and Hinduism The Bhagavad Gita The Upanishads Kena Katha Prasna The Laws of Manu Yoga The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Vedanta The Crest Jewel of Wisdom Vedas Excerpts from a Vedic Reader for Students Excerpts from The Rig Veda Bibliography 5 Volume 2 Introduction CHAPTER TWO - SIKHISM Wisdom of the Prophet Nanak and Sikhism The Sri Guru Granth Sahib THREE CHAPTER THREE - JAINISM Wisdom of the Tirthankaras and Jainism A Treatise on Jainism Five Great Vows (Maha-Vratas) Twelve Reflections (Bhavnas) Nine Tattva's (Principles) Twelve Vows of a Layperson Bibliography Volume 3 Introduction CHAPTER FOUR - JUDAISM Wisdom of the Prophet Moses and Judaism The Ten Commandments The Mitzvoth Positive Negative Contingent Upon the Land of Israel The Torah - (From the Tanakh) Book of Job (From the Tanakh) Bibliography Bibliography Volume 4 Introduction 13 CHAPTER FOUR - JUDAISM (Continued . . . ) 15 6 Wisdom of the Prophet Moses and Judaism (Continued . . . ) 15 The Book of Proverbs - (From the Tanakh) Twenty Eight Psalms - (From the Tanakh) 15 83 Sayings of the Jewish Fathers, Excerpts from the Talmud 113 Translations from the Talmud, Midrashim and Kabbalah 134 The Articles of Faith of Judaism 538 The Zohar (Kaballah) and Jewish Mysticism 549 Bibliography Volume 5 Introduction Introduction CHAPTER FIVE - MYSTERY RELIGIONS Wisdom of the Prophet Thoth/Hermes (Who are Considered to be Different Incarnations of the Same Prophet) and the Mystery Religions Wisdom of the Egyptians The Emerald Tablets of Hermes Corpus Hermeticum The Divine Pymander of Hermes The Secret Teachings of All Ages Ancient Mysteries and Secret Societies Initiation of the Pyramid Isis, Virgin of the World The Bembine Table of Isis The Life and Philosophy of Pythagorus Pythagorean Mathematics Pythagorean Concepts of Music and Color The Human Body in Symbolism Bibliography Bibliography 7 Volume 6 Introduction CHAPTER FIVE - MYSTERY RELIGIONS (Continued . . .) Wisdom of the Prophet Thoth/Hermes (Who are Considered to be Different Incarnations of the Same Prophet) and the Mystery Religions Continued . . . ) The Secret Teachings of All Ages The Hiramic Legend The Tabernacle in the Wilderness The Sun, A Universal Deity Qabbala, Secret Doctrine of Israel Fundamentals of Qabbalistic Cosmogony The Tree of Sephirot Keys to the Creation of Man (Qabbala) Fraternity of the Rose Cross Rosicrucian Doctrines and Tenets Fifteen Rosicrucian and Qabbalistic Diagrams Freemasonic Symbolism Mystic Christianity The Cross and Crucifixion The Mystery of the Apocalypse The Mysteries and their Emissaries The Pistis Sophia - A Gnostic Gospel Bibliography Volume 7 Introduction 8 CHAPTER SIX - ZOROASTRIANISM Wisdom of the Prophet Zarathustra and Zoroastrianism Portion of the Avesta - The Vendidad Pahlavi Texts The Menog-I-Khrag (The Spirit of Wisdom) The Sad Dar Bibliography Volume 8 Introduction Introduction CHAPTER SEVEN - BUDDHISM Wisdom of the Prophet Buddha and Buddhism The Threefold Refuge The Five Precepts The Four Noble Truths The Noble Eightfold Path Understanding Merit and Demerit The Ten Fetters Gradual Development of the Eightfold Path in the Progress of the Disciple Absence of the Five Hindrances The Absorptions Theravadan Buddhism Dhammapada Mahayan and Saravastiviada Buddhism From The Flower Ornament Scripture or Avatamsaka Sutra Four Holy Truths Ten Abodes Ten Practices Ten Inexhaustible Treasures 9 Ten Dedications Ten Stages Saddharma-Pundarika or Lotus of the True Law Tibetan Buddhism She-RaB Dong-Bu (The Tree of Wisdom) Zen and Taoist Buddhism Manual of Zen Bibliography Volume 9 Introduction CHAPTER EIGHT - CONFUCIANISM the Wisdom of the Prophet Confucius and Confucianism The Analects of Confucius The Great Learning The Doctrine of the Mean Ten Chapters of Mencius CHAPTER NINE - CHRISTIANITY Wisdom of the Prophet and Precursor, John the Baptist Gnostic John the Baptizer: Selections from the Mandean Book of John Christ Wisdom of the Messiah Jesus Christ and Christianity The Gospel According to St. Matthew (King James Version) The Gospel According to St. John (King James Version) The First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians (King James Version) The Second Epislte of Paul to the Corinthians 10 (King James Version) The Epistle of Paul to the Galatians (King James Version) The First Epistle General of Peter (King James Version) The Second Epistle General of Peter (King James Version) The First Epistle General of John (King James Version) The Second Epistle General of John (King James Version) The Third Epistle General of John (King James Version) The Pastor of Hermas (Writings of the Early Church Fathers) The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians (Writings of the Early Church Fathers) St. John Chrysostom: Instructions to Catechumens (Writings of the Early Church Fathers) St. John Chrysostom: Homily Concerning Lowliness of Mind (Writings of the Early Church Fathers) CHAPTER TEN - AFRICAN Wisdom of African Religion The Religious System of the Amazulu At the Back of the Black Man's Mind Ngodondoism Nkici-ism Bavili Philosophy Bibili - The Philosophy of the Groves Bibliography Bibliography Volume 10 11 Introduction CHAPTER ELEVEN - ABORIGINAL Wisdom of the Aboriginal Australians The Euahlayhi Tribe CHAPTER TWELVE - NATIVE AMERICAN Wisdom of Native American Religions The Secret Teaching of All Ages American Indian Symbolism The Sun Dance and Other Ceremonies of the Oglala Division of the Teton Dakota Iroquois Book of Rites The Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees The Mountain Chant, A Navajo Ceremony Zuni Ritual Poetry Introduction to Zuni Ceremonialism Bibliography Volume 11 Introduction CHAPTER THIRTEEN - ISLAM Wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad and Islam The Five Pillars Portions of the Qur'an The Hadith Portions of the Hadith of Bhukari A Manual of Hadith How Divine Revelation Came to the Prophet Wisdom of the Sufi's (Islamic Mystics) Principles Doctrine's of the Sufi's 12 Sufi Ascetics Sufi Ecstatics Sufi Antimonians Sufi Poets Sufi Dervishes Sufi Mystic, Rumi, The Masnavi The Spiritual Couplets of Maulana Jalalu-d-din Muhammad Rumi The Songs of Kabir Bibliography Volume 12 Introduction CHAPTER FOURTEEN - BAHA'I Wisdom of the Bab', Forerunner of Prophet Baha'u'llah the Prophet Selections from the Writings of the Bab' Wisdom of Baha'u'llah the Prophet and the Baha'i Faith The Hidden Words The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys The Kitab-i-Aqdas Wisdom of the Successor to Baha'u'llah, his Abdu'l u'lSon Abdu'l-Baha Tablets of the Divine Plan Wisdom of the Second Successor to Baha'u'llah, his Grandson Shoghi Effendi Directives from the Guardian CHAPTER FIFTEEN - FINAL WORD Bibliography Go to our Website at: www.outofbodytravel.org For more information! 13 INTRODUCTION: The Voice of the Prophets: Wisdom of the Ages, Volume 4 of 12 The purpose of this series of texts is very simple. We have striven to compile the best of the better known and the least known of the ancient sacred texts from every religion throughout the world and throughout time. It is our hope that this series of volumes makes it possible for a lay reader to truly access some of the most important world literature in religion without having to have a library of 5,000 books in their possession. In these volumes, you will find everything you need to know to have a well-rounded and deep understanding of the many different faiths and belief systems in our world. As you peruse these texts, you may be surprised to find that the words of Ancient Egyptian Prophet Hermes from 5,000 years ago are not nearly so distant from the words of Christianity 2,000 years 14 ago, nor the words of Baha'u'llah just 175 years ago as most of us might think. There's a thread of unity which merges and molds these traditions together, and that unity comes from the One True God who has spoken through each and every one of them during their sojourn and time on this Earth. It is our duty to preserve the line of wisdom which travels throughout the ages through the voice of the Prophets. Welcome to the journey of your life wherein you will travel to every ancient, medieval and modern world and soar through the minds of the greatest prophets, mystics, saints and sages that have walked this Earth! Voice The Voice of the Prophets Wisdom of the Ages, Volume 4 of 12 Addendum: All texts used in this series come from sacred scriptures and other documents which are in what is called 'Public Domain.' Where possible, proper attributions are made to the original writer's and/or translators! 15 Volume 4 CHAPTER FOUR JUDAISM (Continued . . . ) Wisdom of the Prophet Moses and Judaism (Continued . . . ) The Book of Proverbs (from the Tanakh) From the Tanakh, The Holy Scriptures, JPS Translation according to the Traditional Hebrew Text, Jewish Publication Society, 1985 Proverbs Chapter 1 1:1 THE PROVERBS of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 1:2 To know wisdom and instruction; to comprehend the words of understanding; 1:3 To receive the discipline of wisdom, justice, and right, and equity; 1:4 To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion; 16 1:5 That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning, and the man of understanding may attain unto wise counsels; 1:6 To understand a proverb, and a figure; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and discipline. 1:8 Hear, my son, the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the teaching of thy mother; 1:9 For they shall be a chaplet of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. 1:11 If they say: 'Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood, let us lurk for the innocent without cause; 1:12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave, and whole, as those that go down into the pit; 1:13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil; 1:14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse'-1:15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them, restrain thy foot from their path; 1:16 For their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. 1:17 For in vain the net is spread in the eyes of any bird; 1:18 And these lie in wait for their own blood, they lurk for their own lives. 1:19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; it taketh away the life of the owners thereof. 17 1:20 Wisdom crieth aloud in the streets, she uttereth her voice in the broad places; 1:21 She calleth at the head of the noisy streets, at the entrances of the gates, in the city, she uttereth her words: 1:22 'How long, ye thoughtless, will ye love thoughtlessness? And how long will scorners delight them in scorning, and fools hate knowledge? 1:23 Turn you at my reproof; behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. 1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused, I have stretched out my hand, and no man attended, 1:25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof; 1:26 I also, in your calamity, will laugh, I will mock when your dread cometh; 1:27 When your dread cometh as a storm, and your calamity cometh on as a whirlwind; when trouble and distress come upon you. 1:28 Then will they call me, but I will not answer, they will seek me earnestly, but they shall not find me. 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord; 1:30 They would none of my counsel, they despised all my reproof. 1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. 1:32 For the waywardness of the thoughtless shall slay them, and the confidence of fools shall destroy them. 1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell securely, and shall be quiet without fear of evil.' 18 Chapter 2 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and lay up my commandments with thee; 2:2 So that thou make thine ear attend unto wisdom, and thy heart incline to discernment; 2:3 Yea, if thou call for understanding, and lift up thy voice for discernment; 2:4 If thou seek her as silver, and search for her as for hid treasures; 2:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. 2:6 For the Lord giveth wisdom, out of His mouth cometh knowledge and discernment; 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the upright, He is a shield to them that walk in integrity; 2:8 That He may guard the paths of justice, and preserve the way of His godly ones. 2:9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness and justice, and equity, yea, every good path. 2:10 For wisdom shall enter into thy heart, and knowledge shall be pleasant unto thy soul; 2:11 Discretion shall watch over thee, discernment shall guard thee; 2:12 To deliver thee from the way of evil, from the men that speak froward things; 2:13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; 2:14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of evil; 19 2:15 Who are crooked in their ways, and perverse in their paths; 2:16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the alien woman that maketh smooth her words; 2:17 That forsaketh the lord of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. 2:18 For her house sinketh down unto death, and her paths unto the shades; 2:19 None that go unto her return, neither do they attain unto the paths of life; 2:20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. 2:21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the whole-hearted shall remain in it. 2:22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the land, and the faithless shall be plucked up out of it. Chapter 3 3:1 My son, forget not my teaching; but let thy heart keep my commandments; 3:2 For length of days, and years of life, and peace, will they add to thee. 3:3 Let not kindness and truth forsake thee; bind them about thy neck, write them upon the table of thy heart; 3:4 So shalt thou find grace and good favour in the sight of God and man. 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not upon thine own understanding. 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths. 20 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord, and depart from evil; 3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. 3:9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase; 3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy vats shall overflow with new wine. 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, neither spurn thou His correction; 3:12 For whom the Lord loveth He correcteth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that obtaineth understanding. 3:14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 3:15 She is more precious than rubies; and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 3:16 Length of days is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honour. 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 3:18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and happy is every one that holdest her fast. 3:19 the Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens. 3:20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up, and the skies drop down the dew. 21 3:21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes; keep sound wisdom and discretion; 3:22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. 3:23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, and thou shalt not dash thy foot. 3:24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid; yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. 3:25 Be not afraid of sudden terror, neither of the destruction of the wicked, when it cometh; 3:26 For the Lord will be thy confidence, and will keep thy foot from being caught. 3:27 Withhold not good from him to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thy hand to do it. 3:28 Say not unto thy neighbour: 'Go, and come again, and to-morrow I will give'; when thou hast it by thee. 3:29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. 3:30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. 3:31 Envy thou not the man of violence, and choose none of his ways. 3:32 For the perverse is an abomination to the Lord; but His counsel is with the upright. 3:33 The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked; but He blesseth the habitation of the righteous. 3:34 If it concerneth the scorners, He scorneth them, but unto the humble He giveth grace. 22 3:35 The wise shall inherit honour; but as for the fools, they carry away shame. Chapter 4 4:1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. 4:2 For I give you good doctrine; forsake ye not my teaching. 4:3 For I was a son unto my father, tender and an only one in the sight of my mother. 4:4 And he taught me, and said unto me: 'Let thy heart hold fast my words, keep my commandments, and live; 4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding; forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth; 4:6 Forsake her not, and she will preserve thee; love her, and she will keep thee. 4:7 The beginning of wisdom is: Get wisdom; yea, with all thy getting get understanding. 4:8 Extol her, and she will exalt thee; she will bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. 4:9 She will give to thy head a chaplet of grace; a crown of glory will she bestow on thee.' 4:10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. 4:11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in paths of uprightness. 4:12 When thou goest, thy step shall not be straitened; and if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. 23 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction, let her not go; keep her, for she is thy life. 4:14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and walk not in the way of evil men. 4:15 Avoid it, pass not by it; turn from it, and pass on. 4:16 For they sleep not, except they have done evil; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. 4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 4:18 But the path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 4:19 The way of the wicked is as darkness; they know not at what they stumble. 4:20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 4:21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thy heart. 4:22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. 4:23 Above all that thou guardest keep thy heart; for out of it are the issues of life. 4:24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. 4:25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 4:26 Make plain the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 4:27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left; remove thy foot from evil. 24 Chapter 5 5:1 My son, attend unto my wisdom; incline thine ear to my understanding; 5:2 That thou mayest preserve discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. 5:3 For the lips of a strange woman drop honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; 5:4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. 5:5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on the nether-world; 5:6 Lest she should walk the even path of life, her ways wander, but she knoweth it not. 5:7 Now therefore, O ye children, hearken unto me, and depart not from the words of my mouth. 5:8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house; 5:9 Lest thou give thy vigour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel; 5:10 Lest strangers be filled with thy strength, and thy labours be in the house of an alien; 5:11 And thou moan, when thine end cometh, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, 5:12 And say: 'How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; 5:13 Neither have I hearkened to the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! 5:14 I was well nigh in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.' 25 5:15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. 5:16 Let thy springs be dispersed abroad, and courses of water in the streets. 5:17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee. 5:18 Let thy fountain be blessed; and have joy of the wife of thy youth. 5:19 A lovely hind and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; with her love be thou ravished always. 5:20 Why then wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of an alien? 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He maketh even all his paths. 5:22 His own iniquities shall ensnare the wicked, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sin. 5:23 He shall die for lack of instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall reel. Chapter 6 6:1 My son, if thou art become surety for thy neighbour, if thou hast struck thy hands for a stranger-6:2 Thou art snared by the words of thy mouth, thou art caught by the words of thy mouth-6:3 Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, seeing thou art come into the hand of thy neighbour; go, humble thyself, and urge thy neighbour. 6:4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. 6:5 Deliver thyself as a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler. 26 6:6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise; 6:7 Which having no chief, overseer, or ruler, 6:8 Provideth her bread in the summer, and gatherest her food in the harvest. 6:9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? 6:10 'Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep'-6:11 So shall thy poverty come as a runner, and thy want as an armed man. 6:12 A base person, a man of iniquity, is he that walketh with a froward mouth; 6:13 That winketh with his eyes, that scrapeth with his feet, that pointeth with his fingers; 6:14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth evil continually; he soweth discord. 6:15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; on a sudden shall he be broken, and that without remedy. 6:16 There are six things which the Lord hateth, yea, seven which are an abomination unto Him: 6:17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood; 6:18 A heart that deviseth wicked thoughts, feet that are swift in running to evil; 6:19 A false witness that breatheth out lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. 27 6:20 My son, keep the commandment of thy father, and forsake not the teaching of thy mother; 6:21 Bind them continually upon thy heart, tie them about thy neck. 6:22 When thou walkest, it shall lead thee, when thou liest down, it shall watch over thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching is light, and reproofs of instruction are the way of life; 6:24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the smoothness of the alien tongue. 6:25 Lust not after her beauty in thy heart; neither let her captivate thee with her eyelids. 6:26 For on account of a harlot a man is brought to a loaf of bread, but the adulteress hunteth for the precious life. 6:27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? 6:28 Or can one walk upon hot coals, and his feet not be scorched? 6:29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not go unpunished. 6:30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; 6:31 But if he be found, he must restore sevenfold, he must give all the substance of his house. 6:32 He that committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding; he doeth it that would destroy his own soul. 6:33 Wounds and dishonour shall he get, and his reproach shall not be wiped away. 28 6:34 For jealousy is the rage of a man, and he will not spare in the day of vengeance. 6:35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts. Chapter 7 7:1 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. 7:2 Keep my commandments and live, and my teaching as the apple of thine eye. 7:3 Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thy heart. 7:4 Say unto wisdom: 'Thou art my sister', and call understanding thy kinswoman; 7:5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the alien woman that maketh smooth her words. 7:6 For at the window of my house I looked forth through my lattice; 7:7 And I beheld among the thoughtless ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, 7:8 Passing through the street near her corner, and he went the way to her house; 7:9 In the twilight, in the evening of the day, in the blackness of night and the darkness. 7:10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of a harlot, and wily of heart. 7:11 She is riotous and rebellious, her feet abide not in her house; 7:12 Now she is in the streets, now in the broad places, and lieth in wait at every corner. 29 7:13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face she said unto him: 7:14 'Sacrifices of peace-offerings were due from me; this day have I paid my vows. 7:15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, to seek thy face, and I have found thee. 7:16 I have decked my couch with coverlets, with striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt. 7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 7:18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning; let us solace ourselves with loves. 7:19 For my husband is not at home, he is gone a long journey; 7:20 He hath taken the bag of money with him; he will come home at the full moon.' 7:21 With her much fair speech she causeth him to yield, with the blandishment of her lips she enticeth him away. 7:22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox that goeth to the slaughter, or as one in fetters to the correction of the fool; 7:23 Till an arrow strike through his liver; as a bird hasteneth to the snare-- and knoweth not that it is at the cost of his life. 7:24 Now therefore, O ye children, hearken unto me, and attend to the words of my mouth. 7:25 Let not thy heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. 7:26 For she hath cast down many wounded; yea, a mighty host are all her slain. 30 7:27 Her house is the way to the nether-world, going down to the chambers of death. Chapter 8 8:1 Doth not wisdom call, and understanding put forth her voice? 8:2 In the top of high places by the way, where the paths meet, she standeth; 8:3 Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors, she crieth aloud: 8:4 'Unto you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. 8:5 O ye thoughtless, understand prudence, and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. 8:6 Hear, for I will speak excellent things, and the opening of my lips shall be right things. 8:7 For my mouth shall utter truth, and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8:8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness, there is nothing perverse or crooked in them. 8:9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. 8:10 Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold. 8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies, and all things desirable are not to be compared unto her. 8:12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of devices. 8:13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. 31 8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power is mine. 8:15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. 8:16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. 8:17 I love them that love me, and those that seek me earnestly shall find me. 8:18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, enduring riches and righteousness. 8:19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my produce than choice silver. 8:20 I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice; 8:21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance, and that I may fill their treasuries. 8:22 the Lord made me as the beginning of His way, the first of His works of old. 8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. 8:24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 8:25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth; 8:26 While as yet He had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world. 8:27 When He established the heavens, I was there; when He set a circle upon the face of the deep, 32 8:28 When He made firm the skies above, when the fountains of the deep showed their might, 8:29 When He gave to the sea His decree, that the waters should not transgress His commandment, when He appointed the foundations of the earth; 8:30 Then I was by Him, as a nursling; and I was daily all delight, playing always before Him, 8:31 Playing in His habitable earth, and my delights are with the sons of men. 8:32 Now therefore, ye children, hearken unto me; for happy are they that keep my ways. 8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. 8:34 Happy is the man that hearkeneth to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 8:35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and obtaineth favour of the Lord. 8:36 But he that misseth me wrongeth his own soul; all they that hate me love death.' Chapter 9 9:1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars; 9:2 She hath prepared her meat, she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. 9:3 She hath sent forth her maidens, she calleth, upon the highest places of the city: 9:4 'Whoso is thoughtless, let him turn in hither'; as for him that lacketh understanding, she saith to him: 33 9:5 'Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. 9:6 Forsake all thoughtlessness, and live; and walk in the way of understanding. 9:7 He that correcteth a scorner getteth to himself shame, and he that reproveth a wicked man, it becometh unto him a blot. 9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee; reprove a wise man, and he will love thee. 9:9 Give to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the All-holy is understanding. 9:11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. 9:12 If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself; and if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.' 9:13 The woman Folly is riotous; she is thoughtless, and knoweth nothing. 9:14 And she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, 9:15 To call to them that pass by, who go right on their ways: 9:16 'Whoso is thoughtless, let him turn in hither'; and as for him that lacketh understanding, she saith to him: 9:17 'Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.' 9:18 But he knoweth not that the shades are there; that her guests are in the depths of the nether-world. Chapter 10 34 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish son is the grief of his mother. 10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing; but righteousness delivereth from death. 10:3 the Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish; but He thrusteth away the desire of the wicked. 10:4 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand; but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. 10:5 A wise son gathereth in summer; but a son that doeth shamefully sleepeth in harvest. 10:6 Blessings are upon the head of the righteous; but the mouth of the wicked concealeth violence. 10:7 The memory of the righteous shall be for a blessing; but the name of the wicked shall rot. 10:8 The wise in heart will receive commandments; but a prating fool shall fall. 10:9 He that walketh uprightly walketh securely; but he that perverteth his ways shall be found out. 10:10 He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow; and a prating fool shall fall. 10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life; but the mouth of the wicked concealeth violence. 10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes; but love covereth all transgressions. 10:13 In the lips of him that hath discernment wisdom is found; but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. 10:14 Wise men lay up knowledge; but the mouth of the foolish is an imminent ruin. 35 10:15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city; the ruin of the poor is their poverty. 10:16 The wages of the righteous is life; the increase of the wicked is sin. 10:17 He is in the way of life that heedeth instruction; but he that forsaketh reproof erreth. 10:18 He that hideth hatred is of lying lips; and he that uttereth a slander is a fool. 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression; but he that refraineth his lips is wise. 10:20 The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver; the heart of the wicked is little worth. 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many; but the foolish die for want of understanding. 10:22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and toil addeth nothing thereto. 10:23 It is as sport to a fool to do wickedness, and so is wisdom to a man of discernment. 10:24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him; and the desire of the righteous shall be granted. 10:25 When the whirlwind passeth, the wicked is no more; but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. 10:26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him. 10:27 The fear of the Lord prolongeth days; but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. 10:28 The hope of the righteous is gladness; but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. 36 10:29 The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the upright, but ruin to the workers of iniquity. 10:30 The righteous shall never be moved; but the wicked shall not inhabit the land. 10:31 The mouth of the righteous buddeth with wisdom; but the froward tongue shall be cut off. 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable; but the mouth of the wicked is all frowardness. Chapter 11 11:1 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord; but a perfect weight is His delight. 11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame; but with the lowly is wisdom. 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them; but the perverseness of the faithless shall destroy them. 11:4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath; but righteousness delivereth from death. 11:5 The righteousness of the sincere shall make straight his way; but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. 11:6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them; but the faithless shall be trapped in their own crafty device. 11:7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish, and the hope of strength perisheth. 11:8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. 11:9 With his mouth the impious man destroyeth his neighbour; but through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered. 37 11:10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth; and when the wicked perish, there is joy. 11:11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted; but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. 11:12 He that despiseth his neighbour lacketh understanding; but a man of discernment holdeth his peace. 11:13 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets; but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter. 11:14 Where no wise direction is, a people falleth; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. 11:15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it; but he that hateth them that strike hands is secure. 11:16 A gracious woman obtaineth honour; and strong men obtain riches. 11:17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. 11:18 The wicked earneth deceitful wages; but he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward. 11:19 Stedfast righteousness tendeth to life; but he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. 11:20 They that are perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord; but such as are upright in their way are His delight. 11:21 My hand upon it! the evil man shall not be unpunished; but the seed of the righteous shall escape. 11:22 As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman that turneth aside from discretion. 38 11:23 The desire of the righteous is only good; but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. 11:24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth only to want. 11:25 The beneficent soul shall be made rich, and he that satisfieth abundantly shall be satisfied also himself. 11:26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him; but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it. 11:27 He that diligently seeketh good seeketh favour; but he that searcheth for evil, it shall come unto him. 11:28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as foliage. 11:29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind; and the foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart. 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that is wise winneth souls. 11:31 Behold, the righteous shall be requited in the earth; how much more the wicked and the sinner! Chapter 12 12:1 Whoso loveth knowledge loveth correction; but he that is brutish hateth reproof. 12:2 A good man shall obtain favour of the Lord; but a man of wicked devices will He condemn. 12:3 A man shall not be established by wickedness; but the root of the righteous shall never be moved. 12:4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but she that doeth shamefully is as rottenness in his bones. 39 12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are right; but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. 12:6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood; but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. 12:7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not; but the house of the righteous shall stand. 12:8 A man shall be commended according to his intelligence; but he that is of a distorted understanding shall be despised. 12:9 Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, than he that playeth the man of rank, and lacketh bread. 12:10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast; but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. 12:11 He that tilleth his ground shall have plenty of bread; but he that followeth after vain things is void of understanding. 12:12 The wicked desireth the prey of evil men; but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit. 12:13 In the transgression of the lips is a snare to the evil man; but the righteous cometh out of trouble. 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the doings of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. 12:15 The way of a fool is straight in his own eyes; but he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel. 12:16 A fool's vexation is presently known; but a prudent man concealeth shame. 12:17 He that breatheth forth truth uttereth righteousness; but a false witness deceit. 40 12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword; but the tongue of the wise is health. 12:19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever; but a lying tongue is but for a moment. 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of them that devise evil; but to the counsellors of peace is joy. 12:21 There shall no mischief befall the righteous; but the wicked are filled with evil. 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord; but they that deal truly are His delight. 12:23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge; but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. 12:24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule; but the slothful shall be under tribute. 12:25 Care in the heart of a man boweth it down; but a good word maketh it glad. 12:26 The righteous is guided by his friend; but the way of the wicked leadeth them astray. 12:27 The slothful man shall not hunt his prey; but the precious substance of men is to be diligent. 12:28 In the way of righteousness is life, and in the pathway thereof there is no death. Chapter 13 13:1 A wise son is instructed of his father; but a scorner heareth not rebuke. 13:2 A man shall eat good from the fruit of his mouth; but the desire of the faithless is violence. 41 13:3 He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life; but for him that openeth wide his lips there shall be ruin. 13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be abundantly gratified. 13:5 A righteous man hateth lying; but a wicked man behaveth vilely and shamefully. 13:6 Righteousness guardeth him that is upright in the way; but wickedness overthroweth the sinner. 13:7 There is that pretendeth himself rich, yet hath nothing; there is that pretendeth himself poor, yet hath great wealth. 13:8 The ransom of a man's life are his riches; but the poor heareth no threatening. 13:9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth; but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. 13:10 By pride cometh only contention; but with the well-advised is wisdom. 13:11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished; but he that gathereth little by little shall increase. 13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; but desire fulfilled is a tree of life. 13:13 Whoso despiseth the word shall suffer thereby; but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. 13:14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 13:15 Good understanding giveth grace; but the way of the faithless is harsh. 42 13:16 Every prudent man dealeth with forethought; but a fool unfoldeth folly. 13:17 A wicked messenger falleth into evil; but a faithful ambassador is health. 13:18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction; but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. 13:19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul; and it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise; but the companion of fools shall smart for it. 13:21 Evil pursueth sinners; but to the righteous good shall be repaid. 13:22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children; and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous. 13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor; but there is that is swept away by want of righteousness. 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son; but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. 13:25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his desire; but the belly of the wicked shall want. Chapter 14 14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house; but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. 14:2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord; but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth Him. 14:3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride; but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. 43 14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean; but much increase is by the strength of the ox. 14:5 A faithful witness will not lie; but a false witness breatheth forth lies. 14:6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not; but knowledge is easy unto him that hath discernment. 14:7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, for thou wilt not perceive the lips of knowledge. 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to look well to his way; but the folly of fools is deceit. 14:9 Amends pleadeth for fools; but among the upright there is good will. 14:10 The heart knoweth its own bitterness; and with its joy no stranger can intermeddle. 14:11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown; but the tent of the upright shall flourish. 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. 14:13 Even in laughter the heart acheth; and the end of mirth is heaviness. 14:14 The dissembler in heart shall have his fill from his own ways; and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. 14:15 The thoughtless believeth every word; but the prudent man looketh well to his going. 14:16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; but the fool behaveth overbearingly, and is confident. 44 14:17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly; and a man of wicked devices is hated. 14:18 The thoughtless come into possession of folly; but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 14:19 The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 14:20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour; but the rich hath many friends. 14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth; but he that is gracious unto the humble, happy is he. 14:22 Shall they not go astray that devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be for them that devise good. 14:23 In all labour there is profit; but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. 14:24 The crown of the wise is their riches; but the folly of fools remaineth folly. 14:25 A true witness delivereth souls; but he that breatheth forth lies is all deceit. 14:26 In the fear of the Lord a man hath strong confidence; and his children shall have a place of refuge. 14:27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 14:28 In the multitude of people is the king's glory; but in the want of people is the ruin of the prince. 14:29 He that is slow to anger is of great understanding; but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. 45 14:30 A tranquil heart is the life of the flesh; but envy is the rottenness of the bones. 14:31 He that oppresseth the poor blasphemeth his Maker; but he that is gracious unto the needy honoureth Him. 14:32 The wicked is thrust down in his misfortune; but the righteous, even when he is brought to death, hath hope. 14:33 In the heart of him that hath discernment wisdom resteth; but in the inward part of fools it maketh itself known. 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people. 14:35 The king's favour is toward a servant that dealeth wisely; but his wrath striketh him that dealeth shamefully. Chapter 15 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath; but a grievous word stirreth up anger. 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright; but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good. 15:4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life; but perverseness therein is a wound to the spirit. 15:5 A fool despiseth his father's correction; but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. 15:6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure; but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. 15:7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge; but the heart of the foolish is not stedfast. 46 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord; but the prayer of the upright is His delight. 15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord; but He loveth him that followeth after righteousness. 15:10 There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way; and he that hateth reproof shall die. 15:11 The nether-world and Destruction are before the Lord; how much more then the hearts of the children of men! 15:12 A scorner loveth not to be reproved; he will not go unto the wise. 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. 15:14 The heart of him that hath discernment seeketh knowledge; but the mouth of fools feedeth on folly. 15:15 All the days of the poor are evil; but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. 15:16 Better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and turmoil therewith. 15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. 15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up discord; but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. 15:19 The way of the sluggard is as though hedged by thorns; but the path of the upright is even. 15:20 A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish man despiseth his mother. 15:21 Folly is joy to him that lacketh understanding; but a man of discernment walketh straightforwards. 47 15:22 For want of counsel purposes are frustrated; but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. 15:23 A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; and a word in due season, how good is it! 15:24 The path of life goeth upward for the wise, that he may depart from the nether-world beneath. 15:25 the Lord will pluck up the house of the proud; but He will establish the border of the widow. 15:26 The thoughts of wickedness are an abomination to the Lord; but words of pleasantness are pure. 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. 15:28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer; but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. 15:29 the Lord is far from the wicked; but He heareth the prayer of the righteous. 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart; and a good report maketh the bones fat. 15:31 The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life abideth among the wise. 15:32 He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul; but he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding. 15:33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour goeth humility. Chapter 16 16:1 The preparations of the heart are man's, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. 48 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits. 16:3 Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. 16:4 the Lord hath made every things for His own purpose, yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; my hand upon it! he shall not be unpunished. 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is expiated; and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. 16:7 When a man's ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice. 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth his steps. 16:10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; his mouth trespasseth not in judgment. 16:11 A just balance and scales are the Lord'S; all the weights of the bag are His work. 16:12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; for the throne is established by righteousness. 16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right. 16:14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death; but a wise man will pacify it. 16:15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain. 49 16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver. 16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 16:19 Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the humble, than to divide the spoil with the proud. 16:20 He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good; and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he. 16:21 The wise in heart is called a man of discernment; and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. 16:22 Understanding is a fountain of life unto him that hath it; but folly is the chastisement of fools. 16:23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. 16:24 Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 16:25 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. 16:26 The hunger of the labouring man laboureth for him; for his mouth compelleth him. 16:27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil, and in his lips there is as a burning fire. 16:28 A froward man soweth strife; and a whisperer separateth familiar friends. 16:29 A man of violence enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into a way that is not good. 50 16:30 He shutteth his eyes, it is to devise froward things; he that biteth his lips bringeth evil to pass. 16:31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, it is found in the way of righteousness. 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Chapter 17 17:1 Better is a dry morsel and quietness therewith, than a house full of feasting with strife. 17:2 A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that dealeth shamefully, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren. 17:3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but the Lord trieth the hearts. 17:4 A evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; and a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue. 17:5 Whoso mocketh the poor blasphemeth his Maker; and he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. 17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. 17:7 Overbearing speech becometh not a churl; much less do lying lips a prince. 17:8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; whithersoever he turneth, he prospereth. 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that harpeth on a matter estrangeth a familiar friend. 51 17:10 A rebuke entereth deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred stripes into a fool. 17:11 An rebellious man seeketh only evil; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. 17:12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. 17:13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. 17:14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water; therefore leave off contention, before the quarrel break out. 17:15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, even they both are an abomination to the Lord. 17:16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, seeing he hath no understanding? 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 17:18 A man void of understanding is he that striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his neighbour. 17:19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife; he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction. 17:20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good; and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into evil. 17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow; and the father of a churl hath no joy. 17:22 A merry heart is a good medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones. 17:23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom, to pervert the ways of justice. 52 17:24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. 17:25 A foolish son is vexation to his father, and bitterness to her that bore him. 17:26 To punish also the righteous is not good, nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. 17:27 He that spareth his words hath knowledge; and he that husbandeth his spirit is a man of discernment. 17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed as a man of understanding. Chapter 18 18:1 He that separateth himself seeketh his own desire, and snarlest against all sound wisdom. 18:2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may lay itself bare. 18:3 When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. 18:4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters; a flowing brook, a fountain of wisdom. 18:5 It is not good to respect the person of the wicked, so as to turn aside the righteous in judgment. 18:6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. 18:7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are the snare of his soul. 18:8 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. 53 18:9 Even one that is slack in his work is brother to him that is a destroyer. 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is set up on high. 18:11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own conceit. 18:12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honour goeth humility. 18:13 He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and confusion unto him. 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear? 18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. 18:16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. 18:17 He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him out. 18:18 The lot causeth strife to cease, and parteth asunder the contentious. 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. 18:20 A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; with the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied. 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that indulge it shall eat the fruit thereof. 54 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a great good, and obtaineth favour of the Lord. 18:23 The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth impudently. 18:24 There are friends that one hath to his own hurt; but there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Chapter 19 19:1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity than he that is perverse in his lips and a fool at the same time. 19:2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. 19:3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way; and his heart fretteth against the Lord. 19:4 Wealth addeth many friends; but as for the poor, his friend separateth himself from him. 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he that breatheth forth lies shall not escape. 19:6 Many will entreat the favour of the liberal man; and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. 19:7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He that pursueth words, they turn against him. 19:8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul; he that keepeth understanding shall find good. 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he that breatheth forth lies shall perish. 19:10 Luxury is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes. 55 19:11 It is the discretion of a man to be slow to anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. 19:12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass. 19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father; and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. 19:14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers; but a prudent wife is from the Lord. 19:15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and the idle soul shall suffer hunger. 19:16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul; but he that despiseth His ways shall die. 19:17 He that is gracious unto the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and his good deed will He repay unto him. 19:18 Chasten thy son, for there is hope; but set not thy heart on his destruction. 19:19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment; for if thou interpose, thou wilt add thereto. 19:20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. 19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; but the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand. 19:22 The lust of a man is his shame; and a poor man is better than a liar. 19:23 The fear of the Lord tendeth to life; and he that hath it shall abide satisfied, he shall not be visited with evil. 56 19:24 The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, and will not so much as bring it back to his mouth. 19:25 When thou smitest a scorner, the simple will become prudent; and when one that hath understanding is reproved, he will understand knowledge. 19:26 A son that dealeth shamefully and reproachfully will despoil his father, and chase away his mother. 19:27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. 19:28 An ungodly witness mocketh at right; and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. 19:29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools. Chapter 20 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is riotous; and whosoever reeleth thereby is not wise. 20:2 The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: he that provoketh him to anger forfeiteth his life. 20:3 It is an honour for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be snarling. 20:4 The sluggard will not plow when winter setteth in; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing. 20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness; but a faithful man who can find? 57 20:7 He that walketh in his integrity as a just man, happy are his children after him. 20:8 A king that sitteth on the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes. 20:9 Who can say: 'I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin'? 20:10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them alike are abomination to the Lord. 20:11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. 20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them. 20:13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt have bread in plenty. 20:14 'It is bad, it is bad', saith the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth. 20:15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 20:16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; and hold him in pledge that is surety for an alien woman. 20:17 Bread of falsehood is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. 20:18 Every purpose is established by counsel; and with good advice carry on war. 20:19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets; therefore meddle not with him that openeth wide his lips. 20:20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in the blackest darkness. 58 20:21 An estate may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed. 20:22 Say not thou: 'I will requite evil'; wait for the Lord, and He will save thee. 20:23 Divers weights are an abomination to the Lord; and a false balance is not good. 20:24 A man's goings are of the Lord; how then can man look to his way? 20:25 It is a snare to a man rashly to say: 'Holy', and after vows to make inquiry. 20:26 A wise king sifteth the wicked, and turneth the wheel over them. 20:27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all the inward parts. 20:28 Mercy and truth preserve the king; and his throne is upheld by mercy. 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength; and the beauty of old men is the hoary head. 20:30 Sharp wounds cleanse away evil; so do stripes that reach the inward parts. Chapter 21 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever He will. 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; but th