20:016:028 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
20:016:029 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
20:016:030 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
20:016:031 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
20:016:032 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
20:016:033 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
20:017:001 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
20:017:002 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
20:017:003 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
20:017:004 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
20:017:005 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
20:017:006 Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
20:017:007 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
20:017:008 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
20:017:009 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
20:017:010 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
20:017:011 An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
20:017:012 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
20:017:013 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
20:017:014 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
20:017:015 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
20:017:016 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
20:017:017 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
20:017:018 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
20:017:019 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
20:017:020 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
20:017:021 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
20:017:022 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
20:017:023 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
20:017:024 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
20:017:025 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
20:017:026 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
20:017:027 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
20:017:028 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
20:018:001 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
20:018:002 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
20:018:003 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
20:018:004 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
20:018:005 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
20:018:006 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
20:018:007 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
20:018:008 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
20:018:009 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
20:018:010 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
20:018:011 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
20:018:012 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
20:018:013 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
20:018:014 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
20:018:015 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
20:018:016 A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
20:018:017 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
20:018:018 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
20:018:019 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20:018:020 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
20:018:021 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
20:018:022 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
20:018:023 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
20:018:024 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
20:019:001 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
20:019:002 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
20:019:003 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
20:019:004 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
20:019:005 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
20:019:006 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
20:019:007 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
20:019:008 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
20:019:009 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
20:019:010 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
20:019:011 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
20:019:012 The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.
20:019:013 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
20:019:014 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
20:019:015 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
20:019:016 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
20:019:017 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
20:019:018 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
20:019:019 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.
20:019:020 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
20:019:021 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
20:019:022 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
20:019:023 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
20:019:024 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
20:019:025 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
20:019:026 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
20:019:027 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
20:019:028 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.
20:019:029 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
20:020:001 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
20:020:002 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
20:020:003 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
20:020:004 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
20:020:005 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
20:020:006 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
20:020:007 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
20:020:008 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
20:020:009 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
20:020:010 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.
20:020:011 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
20:020:012 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
20:020:013 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
20:020:014 It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
20:020:015 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
20:020:016 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
20:020:017 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
20:020:018 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
20:020:019 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
20:020:020 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
20:020:021 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
20:020:022 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
20:020:023 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
20:020:024 Man’s goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?
20:020:025 It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.
20:020:026 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.
20:020:027 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
20:020:028 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.
20:020:029 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.
20:020:030 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.
20:021:001 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
20:021:002 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
20:021:003 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
20:021:004 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
20:021:005 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.
20:021:006 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.
20:021:007 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.
20:021:008 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.
20:021:009 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
20:021:010 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.
20:021:011 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.
20:021:012 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
20:021:013 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
20:021:014 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.
20:021:015 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
20:021:016 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
20:021:017 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
20:021:018 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.
20:021:019 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
20:021:020 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
20:021:021 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.
20:021:022 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.
20:021:023 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
20:021:024 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
20:021:025 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.
20:021:026 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
20:021:027 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
20:021:028 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.
20:021:029 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
20:021:030 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
20:021:031 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
20:022:001 A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
20:022:002 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.
20:022:003 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
20:022:004 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
20:022:005 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
20:022:006 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
20:022:007 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
20:022:008 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.
20:022:009 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
20:022:010 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
20:022:011 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.
20:022:012 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
20:022:013 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.
20:022:014 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.
20:022:015 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
20:022:016 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.
20:022:017 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.
20:022:018 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
20:022:019 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
20:022:020 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
20:022:021 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?
20:022:022 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
20:022:023 For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
20:022:024 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
20:022:025 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
20:022:026 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.
20:022:027 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
20:022:028 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.
20:022:029 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
20:023:001 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:
20:023:002 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
20:023:003 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.
20:023:004 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
20:023:005 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
20:023:006 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
20:023:007 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
20:023:008 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.
20:023:009 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
20:023:010 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
20:023:011 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.
20:023:012 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
20:023:013 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
20:023:014 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
20:023:015 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
20:023:016 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.
20:023:017 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
20:023:018 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.
20:023:019 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
20:023:020 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
20:023:021 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
20:023:022 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
20:023:023 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
20:023:024 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
20:023:025 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.
20:023:026 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
20:023:027 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.
20:023:028 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.
20:023:029 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
20:023:030 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
20:023:031 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
20:023:032 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
20:023:033 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
20:023:034 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
20:023:035 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.
20:024:001 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
20:024:002 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.
20:024:003 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:
20:024:004 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
20:024:005 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
20:024:006 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.
20:024:007 Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.
20:024:008 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.
20:024:009 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.
20:024:010 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
20:024:011 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
20:024:012 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?
20:024:013 My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:
20:024:014 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.
20:024:015 Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:
20:024:016 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
20:024:017 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
20:024:018 Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
20:024:019 Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked:
20:024:020 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
20:024:021 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:
20:024:022 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
20:024:023 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
20:024:024 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou are righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
20:024:025 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.
20:024:026 Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.
20:024:027 Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.
20:024:028 Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.
20:024:029 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
20:024:030 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
20:024:031 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.
20:024:032 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.
20:024:033 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
20:024:034 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
20:025:001 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
20:025:002 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
20:025:003 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
20:025:004 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
20:025:005 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
20:025:006 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
20:025:007 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
20:025:008 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
20:025:009 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:
20:025:010 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
20:025:011 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
20:025:012 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
20:025:013 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
20:025:014 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
20:025:015 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
20:025:016 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
20:025:017 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.
20:025:018 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
20:025:019 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
20:025:020 As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
20:025:021 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
20:025:022 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
20:025:023 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
20:025:024 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
20:025:025 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
20:025:026 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
20:025:027 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
20:025:028 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
20:026:001 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
20:026:002 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
20:026:003 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
20:026:004 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
20:026:005 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
20:026:006 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
20:026:007 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
20:026:008 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
20:026:009 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouths of fools.
20:026:010 The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
20:026:011 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
20:026:012 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
20:026:013 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
20:026:014 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
20:026:015 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
20:026:016 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
20:026:017 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
20:026:018 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
20:026:019 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
20:026:020 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
20:026:021 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
20:026:022 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
20:026:023 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
20:026:024 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
20:026:025 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
20:026:026 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.
20:026:027 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
20:026:028 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
20:027:001 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
20:027:002 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
20:027:003 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both.
20:027:004 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
20:027:005 Open rebuke is better than secret love.
20:027:006 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
20:027:007 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
20:027:008 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
20:027:009 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
20:027:010 Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
20:027:011 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
20:027:012 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
20:027:013 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
20:027:014 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
20:027:015 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
20:027:016 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.
20:027:017 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
20:027:018 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
20:027:019 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
20:027:020 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
20:027:021 As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
20:027:022 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
20:027:023 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
20:027:024 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
20:027:025 The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
20:027:026 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.
20:027:027 And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.
20:028:001 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
20:028:002 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
20:028:003 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
20:028:004 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
20:028:005 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
20:028:006 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
20:028:007 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
20:028:008 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
20:028:009 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
20:028:010 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.
20:028:011 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
20:028:012 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
20:028:013 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
20:028:014 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
20:028:015 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
20:028:016 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
20:028:017 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
20:028:018 Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
20:028:019 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
20:028:020 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
20:028:021 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
20:028:022 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
20:028:023 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
20:028:024 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
20:028:025 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
20:028:026 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
20:028:027 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
20:028:028 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
20:029:001 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
20:029:002 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
20:029:003 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
20:029:004 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
20:029:005 A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.
20:029:006 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
20:029:007 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.
20:029:008 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.
20:029:009 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
20:029:010 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.
20:029:011 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
20:029:012 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.
20:029:013 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
20:029:014 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.
20:029:015 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
20:029:016 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
20:029:017 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
20:029:018 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
20:029:019 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.
20:029:020 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
20:029:021 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
20:029:022 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
20:029:023 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
20:029:024 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
20:029:025 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
20:029:026 Many seek the ruler’s favour; but every man’s judgment cometh from the LORD.
20:029:027 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
20:030:001 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
20:030:002 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.
20:030:003 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.
20:030:004 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell?
20:030:005 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
20:030:006 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
20:030:007 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
20:030:008 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
20:030:009 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
20:030:010 Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.
20:030:011 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
20:030:012 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
20:030:013 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
20:030:014 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
20:030:015 The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:
20:030:016 The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.
20:030:017 The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
20:030:018 There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:
20:030:019 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.
20:030:020 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.
20:030:021 For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:
20:030:022 For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;
20:030:023 For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
20:030:024 There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:
20:030:025 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
20:030:026 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;
20:030:027 The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;
20:030:028 The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces.
20:030:029 There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:
20:030:030 A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
20:030:031 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.
20:030:032 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
20:030:033 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
20:031:001 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
20:031:002 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
20:031:003 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
20:031:004 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
20:031:005 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
20:031:006 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
20:031:007 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
20:031:008 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
20:031:009 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
20:031:010 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
20:031:011 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
20:031:012 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
20:031:013 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
20:031:014 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
20:031:015 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
20:031:016 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
20:031:017 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
20:031:018 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
20:031:019 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20:031:020 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
20:031:021 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
20:031:022 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
20:031:023 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
20:031:024 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
20:031:025 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
20:031:026 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
20:031:027 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
20:031:028 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
20:031:029 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
20:031:030 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
20:031:031 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Book 21 Ecclesiastes
21:001:001 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
21:001:002 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
21:001:003 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?
21:001:004 One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.
21:001:005 The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.
21:001:006 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.
21:001:007 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
21:001:008 All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
21:001:009 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
21:001:010 Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.
21:001:011 There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.
21:001:012 I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
21:001:013 And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.
21:001:014 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
21:001:015 That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.
21:001:016 I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
21:001:017 And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.
21:001:018 For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
21:002:001 I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.
21:002:002 I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?
21:002:003 I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.
21:002:004 I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:
21:002:005 I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:
21:002:006 I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:
21:002:007 I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:
21:002:008 I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.
21:002:009 So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.
21:002:010 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.
21:002:011 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.
21:002:012 And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.
21:002:013 Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
21:002:014 The wise man’s eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.
21:002:015 Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.
21:002:016 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.
21:002:017 Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
21:002:018 Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.
21:002:019 And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.
21:002:020 Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.
21:002:021 For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.
21:002:022 For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?
21:002:023 For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.
21:002:024 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.
21:002:025 For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?
21:002:026 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
21:003:001 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
21:003:002 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
21:003:003 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
21:003:004 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
21:003:005 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
21:003:006 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
21:003:007 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
21:003:008 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
21:003:009 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
21:003:010 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
21:003:011 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
21:003:012 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
21:003:013 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
21:003:014 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
21:003:015 That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
21:003:016 And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.
21:003:017 I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
21:003:018 I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
21:003:019 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
21:003:020 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
21:003:021 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
21:003:022 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
21:004:001 So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
21:004:002 Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive.
21:004:003 Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
21:004:004 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
21:004:005 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.
21:004:006 Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.
21:004:007 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
21:004:008 There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.
21:004:009 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
21:004:010 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
21:004:011 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
21:004:012 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
21:004:013 Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.
21:004:014 For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor.
21:004:015 I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead.
21:004:016 There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
21:005:001 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
21:005:002 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
21:005:003 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.
21:005:004 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.
21:005:005 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
21:005:006 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?
21:005:007 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
21:005:008 If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.
21:005:009 Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.
21:005:010 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.
21:005:011 When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?
21:005:012 The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
21:005:013 There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
21:005:014 But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.
21:005:015 As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.
21:005:016 And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?
21:005:017 All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.
21:005:018 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.
21:005:019 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.
21:005:020 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.
21:006:001 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men:
21:006:002 A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.
21:006:003 If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he.
21:006:004 For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.
21:006:005 Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this hath more rest than the other.
21:006:006 Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?
21:006:007 All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
21:006:008 For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?
21:006:009 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
21:006:010 That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.
21:006:011 Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
21:006:012 For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
21:007:001 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.
21:007:002 It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
21:007:003 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
21:007:004 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
21:007:005 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
21:007:006 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
21:007:007 Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.
21:007:008 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
21:007:009 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
21:007:010 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.
21:007:011 Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.
21:007:012 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
21:007:013 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?
21:007:014 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.
21:007:015 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.
21:007:016 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
21:007:017 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
21:007:018 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.
21:007:019 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.
21:007:020 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
21:007:021 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:
21:007:022 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
21:007:023 All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
21:007:024 That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?
21:007:025 I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:
21:007:026 And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.
21:007:027 Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:
21:007:028 Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.
21:007:029 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
21:008:001 Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.
21:008:002 I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.
21:008:003 Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.
21:008:004 Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?
21:008:005 Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment.
21:008:006 Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.
21:008:007 For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?
21:008:008 There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.
21:008:009 All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.
21:008:010 And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity.
21:008:011 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
21:008:012 Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:
21:008:013 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.
21:008:014 There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.
21:008:015 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.
21:008:016 When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:)
21:008:017 Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.
21:009:001 For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them.
21:009:002 All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.
21:009:003 This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
21:009:004 For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
21:009:005 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
21:009:006 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.
21:009:007 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.
21:009:008 Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.
21:009:009 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.
21:009:010 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
21:009:011 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
21:009:012 For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.
21:009:013 This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:
21:009:014 There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it:
21:009:015 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.
21:009:016 Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
21:009:017 The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.
21:009:018 Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.
21:010:001 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.
21:010:002 A wise man’s heart is at his right hand; but a fool’s heart at his left.