GetPassageurn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.kingjames:71urn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.kingjames:71All wisdom cometh from the Lord , and is with him for ever . Who can number the sand of the sea , and the drops of rain , and the days of eternity ? Who can find out the height of heaven , and the breadth of the earth , and the deep , and wisdom ? Wisdom hath been created before all things , and the understanding of prudence from everlasting . The word of God most high is the fountain of wisdom ; and her ways are everlasting commandments . To whom hath the root of wisdom been revealed ? or who hath known her wise counsels ? [ Unto whom hath the knowledge of wisdom been made manifest ? and who hath understood her great experience ? ] There is one wise and greatly to be feared , the Lord sitting upon his throne . He created her , and saw her , and numbered her , and poured her out upon all his works . She is with all flesh according to his gift , and he hath given her to them that love him . The fear of the Lord is honour , and glory , and gladness , and a crown of rejoicing . The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart , and giveth joy , and gladness , and a long life . Whoso feareth the Lord , it shall go well with him at the last , and he shall find favour in the day of his death . To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom : and it was created with the faithful in the womb . She hath built an everlasting foundation with men , and she shall continue with their seed . To fear the Lord is fulness of wisdom , and filleth men with her fruits . She filleth all their house with things desirable , and the garners with her increase . The fear of the Lord is a crown of wisdom , making peace and perfect health to flourish ; both which are the gifts of God : and it enlargeth their rejoicing that love him . Wisdom raineth down skill and knowledge of understanding standing , and exalteth them to honour that hold her fast . The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord , and the branches thereof are long life . The fear of the Lord driveth away sins : and where it is present , it turneth away wrath . A furious man cannot be justified ; for the sway of his fury shall be his destruction . A patient man will tear for a time , and afterward joy shall spring up unto him . He will hide his words for a time , and the lips of many shall declare his wisdom . The parables of knowledge are in the treasures of wisdom : but godliness is an abomination to a sinner . If thou desire wisdom , keep the commandments , and the Lord shall give her unto thee . For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction : and faith and meekness are his delight . Distrust not the fear of the Lord when thou art poor : and come not unto him with a double heart . Be not an hypocrite in the sight of men , and take good heed what thou speakest . Exalt not thyself , lest thou fall , and bring dishonour upon thy soul , and so God discover thy secrets , and cast thee down in the midst of the congregation , because thou camest not in truth to the fear of the Lord , but thy heart is full of deceit . My son , if thou come to serve the Lord , prepare thy soul for temptation . Set thy heart aright , and constantly endure , and make not haste in time of trouble . Cleave unto him , and depart not away , that thou mayest be increased at thy last end . Whatsoever is brought upon thee take cheerfully , and be patient when thou art changed to a low estate . For gold is tried in the fire , and acceptable men in the furnace of adversity . Believe in him , and he will help thee ; order thy way aright , and trust in him . Ye that fear the Lord , wait for his mercy ; and go not aside , lest ye fall . Ye that fear the Lord , believe him ; and your reward shall not fail . Ye that fear the Lord , hope for good , and for everlasting joy and mercy . Look at the generations of old , and see ; did ever any trust in the Lord , and was confounded ? or did any abide in his fear , and was forsaken ? or whom did he ever despise , that called upon him ? For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy , longsuffering , and very pitiful , and forgiveth sins , and saveth in time of affliction . Woe be to fearful hearts , and faint hands , and the sinner that goeth two ways ! Woe unto him that is fainthearted ! for he believeth not ; therefore shall he not be defended . Woe unto you that have lost patience ! and what will ye do when the Lord shall visit you ? They that fear the Lord will not disobey his Word ; and they that love him will keep his ways . They that fear the Lord will seek that which is well , pleasing unto him ; and they that love him shall be filled with the law . They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts , and humble their souls in his sight , Saying , We will fall into the hands of the Lord , and not into the hands of men : for as his majesty is , so is his mercy . Hear me your father , O children , and do thereafter , that ye may be safe . For the Lord hath given the father honour over the children , and hath confirmed the authority of the mother over the sons . Whoso honoureth his father maketh an atonement for his sins : And he that honoureth his mother is as one that layeth up treasure . Whoso honoureth his father shall have joy of his own children ; and when he maketh his prayer , he shall be heard . He that honoureth his father shall have a long life ; and he that is obedient unto the Lord shall be a comfort to his mother . He that feareth the Lord will honour his father , and will do service unto his parents , as to his masters . Honour thy father and mother both in word and deed , that a blessing may come upon thee from them . For the blessing of the father establisheth the houses of children ; but the curse of the mother rooteth out foundations . Glory not in the dishonour of thy father ; for thy father's dishonour is no glory unto thee . For the glory of a man is from the honour of his father ; and a mother in dishonour is a reproach to the children . My son , help thy father in his age , and grieve him not as long as he liveth . And if his understanding fail , have patience with him ; and despise him not when thou art in thy full strength . For the relieving of thy father shall not be forgotten : and instead of sins it shall be added to build thee up . In the day of thine affliction it shall be remembered ; thy sins also shall melt away , as the ice in the fair warm weather . He that forsaketh his father is as a blasphemer ; and he that angereth his mother is cursed : of God . My son , go on with thy business in meekness ; so shalt thou be beloved of him that is approved . The greater thou art , the more humble thyself , and thou shalt find favour before the Lord . Many are in high place , and of renown : but mysteries are revealed unto the meek . For the power of the Lord is great , and he is honoured of the lowly . Seek not out things that are too hard for thee , neither search the things that are above thy strength . But what is commanded thee , think thereupon with reverence , for it is not needful for thee to see with thine eyes the things that are in secret . Be not curious in unnecessary matters : for more things are shewed unto thee than men understand . For many are deceived by their own vain opinion ; and an evil suspicion hath overthrown their judgment . Without eyes thou shalt want light : profess not the knowledge therefore that thou hast not . A stubborn heart shall fare evil at the last ; and he that loveth danger shall perish therein . An obstinate heart shall be laden with sorrows ; and the wicked man shall heap sin upon sin . In the punishment of the proud there is no remedy ; for the plant of wickedness hath taken root in him . The heart of the prudent will understand a parable ; and an attentive ear is the desire of a wise man . Water will quench a flaming fire ; and alms maketh an atonement for sins . And he that requiteth good turns is mindful of that which may come hereafter ; and when he falleth , he shall find a stay . My son , defraud not the poor of his living , and make not the needy eyes to wait long . Make not an hungry soul sorrowful ; neither provoke a man in his distress . Add not more trouble to an heart that is vexed ; and defer not to give to him that is in need . Reject not the supplication of the afflicted ; neither turn away thy face from a poor man . Turn not away thine eye from the needy , and give him none occasion to curse thee : For if he curse thee in the bitterness of his soul , his prayer shall be heard of him that made him . Get thyself the love of the congregation , and bow thy head to a great man . Let it not grieve thee to bow down thine ear to the poor , and give him a friendly answer with meekness . Deliver him that suffereth wrong from the hand of the oppressor ; and be not fainthearted when thou sittest in judgment . Be as a father unto the fatherless , and instead of an husband unto their mother : so shalt thou be as the son of the most High , and he shall love thee more than thy mother doth . Wisdom exalteth her children , and layeth hold of them that seek her . He that loveth her loveth life ; and they that seek to her early shall be filled with joy . He that holdeth her fast shall inherit glory ; and wheresoever she entereth , the Lord will bless . They that serve her shall minister to the Holy One : and them that love her the Lord doth love . Whoso giveth ear unto her shall judge the nations : and he that attendeth unto her shall dwell securely . If a man commit himself unto her , he shall inherit her ; and his generation shall hold her in possession . For at the first she will walk with him by crooked ways , and bring fear and dread upon him , and torment him with her discipline , until she may trust his soul , and try him by her laws . Then will she return the straight way unto him , and comfort him , and shew him her secrets . But if he go wrong , she will forsake him , and give him over to his own ruin . Observe the opportunity , and beware of evil ; and be not ashamed when it concerneth thy soul . For there is a shame that bringeth sin ; and there is a shame which is glory and grace . Accept no person against thy soul , and let not the reverence of any man cause thee to fall . And refrain not to speak , when there is occasion to do good , and hide not thy wisdom in her beauty . For by speech wisdom shall be known : and learning by the word of the tongue . In no wise speak against the truth ; but be abashed of the error of thine ignorance . Be not ashamed to confess thy sins ; and force not the course of the river . Make not thyself an underling to a foolish man ; neither accept the person of the mighty . Strive for the truth unto death , and the Lord shall fight for thee . Be not hasty in thy tongue , and in thy deeds slack and remiss . Be not as a lion in thy house , nor frantick among thy servants . Let not thine hand be stretched out to receive , and shut when thou shouldest repay . Set thy heart upon thy goods ; and say not , I have enough for my life . Follow not thine own mind and thy strength , to walk in the ways of thy heart : And say not , Who shall controul me for my works ? for the Lord will surely revenge thy pride . Say not , I have sinned , and what harm hath happened unto me ? for the Lord is longsuffering , he will in no wise let thee go . Concerning propitiation , be not without fear to add sin unto sin : And say not His mercy is great ; he will be pacified for the multitude of my sins : for mercy and wrath come from him , and his indignation resteth upon sinners . Make no tarrying to turn to the Lord , and put not off from day to day : for suddenly shall the wrath of the Lord come forth , and in thy security thou shalt be destroyed , and perish in the day of vengeance . Set not thine heart upon goods unjustly gotten , for they shall not profit thee in the day of calamity . Winnow not with every wind , and go not into every way : for so doth the sinner that hath a double tongue . Be stedfast in thy understanding ; and let thy word be the same . Be swift to hear ; and let thy life be sincere ; and with patience give answer . If thou hast understanding , answer thy neighbour ; if not , lay thy hand upon thy mouth . Honour and shame is in talk : and the tongue of man is his fall . Be not called a whisperer , and lie not in wait with thy tongue : for a foul shame is upon the thief , and an evil condemnation upon the double tongue . Be not ignorant of any thing in a great matter or a small . Instead of a friend become not an enemy ; for [ thereby ] thou shalt inherit an ill name , shame , and reproach : even so shall a sinner that hath a double tongue . Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart ; that thy soul be not torn in pieces as a bull [ straying alone . ] Thou shalt eat up thy leaves , and lose thy fruit , and leave thyself as a dry tree . A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it , and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies . Sweet language will multiply friends : and a fairspeaking tongue will increase kind greetings . Be in peace with many : nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand . If thou wouldest get a friend , prove him first and be not hasty to credit him . For some man is a friend for his own occasion , and will not abide in the day of thy trouble . And there is a friend , who being turned to enmity , and strife will discover thy reproach . Again , some friend is a companion at the table , and will not continue in the day of thy affliction . But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself , and will be bold over thy servants . If thou be brought low , he will be against thee , and will hide himself from thy face . Separate thyself from thine enemies , and take heed of thy friends . A faithfu 1 l friend is a strong defence : and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure . Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend , and his excellency is invaluable . A faithful friend is the medicine of life ; and they that fear the Lord shall find him . Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright : for as he is , so shall his neighbour be also . My son , gather instruction from thy youth up : so shalt thou find wisdom till thine old age . Come unto her as one that ploweth and soweth , and wait for her good fruits : for thou shalt not toil much in labouring about her , but thou shalt eat of her fruits right soon . She is very unpleasant to the unlearned : he that is without understanding will not remain with her . She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial ; and he will cast her from him ere it be long . For wisdom is according to her name , and she is not manifest unto many . Give ear , my son , receive my advice , and refuse not my counsel , And put thy feet into her fetters , and thy neck into her chain . Bow down thy shoulder , and bear her , and be not grieved with her bonds . Come unto her with thy whole heart , and keep her ways with all thy power . Search , and seek , and she shall be made known unto thee : and when thou hast got hold of her , let her not go . For at the last thou shalt find her rest , and that shall be turned to thy joy . Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee , and her chains a robe of glory . For there is a golden ornament upon her , and her bands are purple lace . Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour , and shalt put her about thee as a crown of joy . My son , if thou wilt , thou shalt be taught : and if thou wilt apply thy mind , thou shalt be prudent . If thou love to hear , thou shalt receive understanding : and if thou bow thine ear , thou shalt be wise , Stand in the multitude of the elders ; and cleave unto him that is wise . Be willing to hear every godly discourse ; and let not the parables of understanding escape thee . And if thou seest a man of understanding , get thee betimes unto him , and let thy foot wear the steps of his door . Let thy mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord and meditate continually in his commandments : he shall establish thine heart , and give thee wisdom at thine owns desire . Do no evil , so shall no harm come unto thee . Depart from the unjust , and iniquity shall turn away from thee . My son , sow not upon the furrows of unrighteousness , and thou shalt not reap them sevenfold . Seek not of the Lord preeminence , neither of the king the seat of honour . justify not thyself before the Lord ; and boast not of thy wisdom before the king . Seek not to be judge , being not able to take away iniquity ; lest at any time thou fear the person of the mighty , an stumblingblock in the way of thy uprightness . Offend not against the multitude of a city , and then thou shalt not cast thyself down among the people . Bind not one sin upon another ; for in one thou shalt not be unpunished . Say not , God will look upon the multitude of my oblations , and when I offer to the most high God , he will accept it . Be not fainthearted when thou makest thy prayer , and neglect not to give alms . Laugh no man to scorn in the bitterness of his soul : for there is one which humbleth and exalteth . Devise not a lie against thy brother ; neither do the like to thy friend . Use not to make any manner of lie : for the custom thereof is not good . Use not many words in a multitude of elders , and make not much babbling when thou prayest . Hate not laborious work , neither husbandry , which the most High hath ordained . Number not thyself among the multitude of sinners , but remember that wrath will not tarry long . Humble thyself greatly : for the vengeance of the ungodly is fire and worms . Change not a friend for any good by no means ; neither a faithful brother for the gold of Ophir . Forego not a wise and good woman : for her grace is above gold . Whereas thy servant worketh truly , entreat him not evil . nor the hireling that bestoweth himself wholly for thee . Let thy soul love a good servant , and defraud him not of liberty . Hast thou cattle ? have an eye to them : and if they be for thy profit , keep them with thee . Hast thou children ? instruct them , and bow down their neck from their youth . Hast thou daughters ? have a care of their body , and shew not thyself cheerful toward them . Marry thy daughter , and so shalt thou have performed a weighty matter : but give her to a man of understanding . Hast thou a wife after thy mind ? forsake her not : but give not thyself over to a light woman . Honour thy father with thy whole heart , and forget not the sorrows of thy mother . Remember that thou wast begotten of them ; and how canst thou recompense them the things that they have done for thee ? Fear the Lord with all thy soul , and reverence his priests . Love him that made thee with all thy strength , and forsake not his ministers . Fear the Lord , and honor the priest ; and give him his portion , as it is commanded thee ; the firstfruits , and the trespass offering , and the gift of the shoulders , and the sacrifice of sanctification , and the firstfruits of the holy things . And stretch thine hand unto the poor , that thy blessing may be perfected . A gift hath grace in the sight of every man living ; and for the dead detain it not . Fail not to be with them that weep , and mourn with them that mourn . Be not slow to visit the sick : fir that shall make thee to be beloved . Whatsoever thou takest in hand , remember the end , and thou shalt never do amiss . Strive not with a mighty man' lest thou fall into his hands . Be not at variance with a rich man , lest he overweigh thee : for gold hath destroyed many , and perverted the hearts of kings . Strive not with a man that is full of tongue , and heap not wood upon his fire . Jest not with a rude man , lest thy ancestors be disgraced . Reproach not a man that turneth from sin , but remember that we are all worthy of punishment . Dishonour not a man in his old age : for even some of us wax old . Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead , but remember that we die all . Despise not the discourse of the wise , but acquaint thyself with their proverbs : for of them thou shalt learn instruction , and how to serve great men with ease . Miss not the discourse of the elders : for they also learned of their fathers , and of them thou shalt learn understanding , and to give answer as need requireth . Kindle not the coals of a sinner , lest thou be burnt with the flame of his fire . Rise not up [ in anger ] at the presence of an injurious person , lest he lie in wait to entrap thee in thy words Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself ; for if thou lendest him , count it but lost . Be not surety above thy power : for if thou be surety , take care to pay it . Go not to law with a judge ; for they will judge for him according to his honour . Travel not by the way with a bold fellow , lest he become grievous unto thee : for he will do according to his own will , and thou shalt perish with him through his folly . Strive not with an angry man , and go not with him into a solitary place : for blood is as nothing in his sight , and where there is no help , he will overthrow thee . Consult not with a fool ; for he cannot keep counsel . Do no secret thing before a stranger ; for thou knowest not what he will bring forth . Open not thine heart to every man , lest he requite thee with a shrewd turn . Be not jealous over the wife of thy bosom , and teach her not an evil lesson against thyself . Give not thy soul unto a woman to set her foot upon thy substance . Meet not with an harlot , lest thou fall into her snares . Use not much the company of a woman that is a singer , lest thou be taken with her attempts . Gaze not on a maid , that thou fall not by those things that are precious in her . Give not thy soul unto harlots , that thou lose not thine inheritance . Look not round about thee in the streets of the city , neither wander thou in the solitary place thereof . Turn away thine eye from a beautiful woman , and look not upon another's beauty ; for many have been deceived by the beauty of a woman ; for herewith love is kindled as a fire . Sit not at all with another man's wife , nor sit down with her in thine arms , and spend not thy money with her at the wine ; lest thine heart incline unto her , and so through thy desire thou fall into destruction . Forsake not an old friend ; for the new is not comparable to him : a new friend is as new wine ; when it is old , thou shalt drink it with pleasure . Envy not the glory of a sinner : for thou knowest not what shall be his end . Delight not in the thing that the ungodly have pleasure in ; but remember they shall not go unpunished unto their grave . Keep thee far from the man that hath power to kill ; so shalt thou not doubt the fear of death : and if thou come unto him , make no fault , lest he take away thy life presently : remember that thou goest in the midst of snares , and that thou walkest upon the battlements of the city . As near as thou canst , guess at thy neighbour , and consult with the wise . Let thy talk be with the wise , and all thy communication in the law of the most High . And let just men eat and drink with thee ; and let thy glorying be in the fear of the Lord . For the hand of the artificer the work shall be commended : and the wise ruler of the people for his speech . A man of an ill tongue is dangerous in his city ; and he that is rash in his talk shall be hated . A wise judge will instruct his people ; and the government of a prudent man is well ordered . As the judge of the people is himself , so are his officers ; and what manner of man the ruler of the city is , such are all they that dwell therein . An unwise king destroyeth his people ; but through the prudence of them which are in authority the city shall be inhabited . The power of the earth is in the hand of the Lord , and in due time he will set over it one that is profitable . In the hand of God is the prosperity of man : and upon the person of the scribe shall he lay his honour . Bear not hatred to thy neighbour for every wrong ; and do nothing at all by injurious practices . Pride is hateful before God and man : and by both doth one commit iniquity . Because of unrighteous dealings , injuries , and riches got by deceit , the kingdom is translated from one people to another . Why is earth and ashes proud ? There is not a more wicked thing than a covetous man : for such an one setteth his own soul to sale ; because while he liveth he casteth away his bowels . The physician cutteth off a long disease ; and he that is to day a king to morrow shall die . For when a man is dead , he shall inherit creeping things , beasts , and worms . The beginning of pride is when one departeth from God , and his heart is turned away from his Maker . For pride is the beginning of sin , and he that hath it shall pour out abomination : and therefore the Lord brought upon them strange calamities , and overthrew them utterly . The Lord hath cast down the thrones of proud princes , and set up the meek in their stead . The Lord hath plucked up the roots of the proud nations , and planted the lowly in their place . The Lord overthrew countries of the heathen , and destroyed them to the foundations of the earth . He took some of them away , and destroyed them , and hath made their memorial to cease from the earth . Pride was not made for men , nor furious anger for them that are born of a woman . They that fear the Lord are a sure seed , and they that love him an honourable plant : they that regard not the law are a dishonourable seed ; they that transgress the commandments are a deceivable seed . Among brethren he that is chief is honorable ; so are they that fear the Lord in his eyes . The fear of the Lord goeth before the obtaining of authority : but roughness and pride is the losing thereof . Whether he be rich , noble , or poor , their glory is the fear of the Lord . It is not meet to despise the poor man that hath understanding ; neither is it convenient to magnify a sinful man . Great men , and judges , and potentates , shall be honoured ; yet is there none of them greater than he that feareth the Lord . Unto the servant that is wise shall they that are free do service : and he that hath knowledge will not grudge when he is reformed . Be not overwise in doing thy business ; and boast not thyself in the time of thy distress . Better is he that laboureth , and aboundeth in all things , than he that boasteth himself , and wanteth bread . My son , glorify thy soul in meekness , and give it honour according to the dignity thereof . Who will justify him that sinneth against his own soul ? and who will honour him that dishonoureth his own life ? The poor man is honoured for his skill , and the rich man is honoured for his riches . He that is honoured in poverty , how much more in riches ? and he that is dishonourable in riches , how much more in poverty ? Wisdom lifteth up the head of him that is of low degree , and maketh him to sit among great men . Commend not a man for his beauty ; neither abhor a man for his outward appearance . The bee is little among such as fly ; but her fruit is the chief of sweet things . Boast not of thy clothing and raiment , and exalt not thyself in the day of honour : for the works of the Lord are wonderful , and his works among men are hidden . Many kings have sat down upon the ground ; and one that was never thought of hath worn the crown . Many mighty men have been greatly disgraced ; and the honourable delivered into other men's hands . Blame not before thou hast examined the truth : understand first , and then rebuke . Answer not before thou hast heard the cause : neither interrupt men in the midst of their talk . Strive not in a matter that concerneth thee not ; and sit not in judgment with sinners . My son , meddle not with many matters : for if thou meddle much , thou shalt not be innocent ; and if thou follow after , thou shalt not obtain , neither shalt thou escape by fleeing . There is one that laboureth , and taketh pains , and maketh haste , and is so much the more behind . Again , there is another that is slow , and hath need of help , wanting ability , and full of poverty ; yet the eye of the Lord looked upon him for good , and set him up from his low estate , And lifted up his head from misery ; so that many that saw from him is peace over all the Prosperity and adversity , life and death , poverty and riches , come of the Lord . Wisdom , knowledge , and understanding of the law , are of the Lord : love , and the way of good works , are from him . Error and darkness had their beginning together with sinners : and evil shall wax old with them that glory therein . The gift of the Lord remaineth with the ungodly , and his favour bringeth prosperity for ever . There is that waxeth rich by his wariness and pinching , and this his the portion of his reward : Whereas he saith , I have found rest , and now will eat continually of my goods ; and yet he knoweth not what time shall come upon him , and that he must leave those things to others , and die . Be stedfast in thy covenant , and be conversant therein , and wax old in thy work . Marvel not at the works of sinners ; but trust in the Lord , and abide in thy labour : for it is an easy thing in the sight of the Lord on the sudden to make a poor man rich . The blessing of the Lord is in the reward of the godly , and suddenly he maketh his blessing flourish . Say not , What profit is there of my service ? and what good things shall I have hereafter ? Again , say not , I have enough , and possess many things , and what evil shall I have hereafter ? In the day of prosperity there is a forgetfulness of affliction : and in the day of affliction there is no more remembrance of prosperity . For it is an easy thing unto the Lord in the day of death to reward a man according to his ways . The affliction of an hour maketh a man forget pleasure : and in his end his deeds shall be discovered . Judge none blessed before his death : for a man shall be known in his children . Bring not every man into thine house : for the deceitful man hath many trains . Like as a partridge taken [ and kept ] in a cage , so is the heart of the proud ; and like as a spy , watcheth he for thy fall : For he lieth in wait , and turneth good into evil , and in things worthy praise will lay blame upon thee . Of a spark of fire a heap of coals is kindled : and a sinful man layeth wait for blood . Take heed of a mischievous man , for he worketh wickedness ; lest he bring upon thee a perpetual blot . Receive a stranger into thine house , and he will disturb thee , and turn thee out of thine own . When thou wilt do good know to whom thou doest it ; so shalt thou be thanked for thy benefits . Do good to the godly man , and thou shalt find a recompence ; and if not from him , yet from the most High . There can no good come to him that is always occupied in evil , nor to him that giveth no alms . Give to the godly man , and help not a sinner . Do well unto him that is lowly , but give not to the ungodly : hold back thy bread , and give it not unto him , lest he overmaster thee thereby : for [ else ] thou shalt receive twice as much evil for all the good thou shalt have done unto him . For the most High hateth sinners , and will repay vengeance unto the ungodly , and keepeth them against the mighty day of their punishment . Give unto the good , and help not the sinner . A friend cannot be known in prosperity : and an enemy cannot be hidden in adversity . In the prosperity of a man enemies will be grieved : but in his adversity even a friend will depart . Never trust thine enemy : for like as iron rusteth , so is his wickedness . Though he humble himself , and go crouching , yet take good heed and beware of him , and thou shalt be unto him as if thou hadst wiped a lookingglass , and thou shalt know that his rust hath not been altogether wiped away . Set him not by thee , lest , when he hath overthrown thee , he stand up in thy place ; neither let him sit at thy right hand , lest he seek to take thy seat , and thou at the last remember my words , and be pricked therewith . Who will pity a charmer that is bitten with a serpent , or any such as come nigh wild beasts ? So one that goeth to a sinner , and is defiled with him in his sins , who will pity ? For a while he will abide with thee , but if thou begin to fall , he will not tarry . An enemy speaketh sweetly with his lips , but in his heart he imagineth how to throw thee into a pit : he will weep with his eyes , but if he find opportunity , he will not be satisfied with blood . If adversity come upon thee , thou shalt find him there first ; and though he pretend to help thee , yet shall he undermine thee . He will shake his head , and clap his hands , and whisper much , and change his countenance . He that toucheth pitch shall be defiled therewith ; and he that hath fellowship with a proud man shall be like unto him . Burden not thyself above thy power while thou livest ; and have no fellowship with one that is mightier and richer than thyself : for how agree the kettle and the earthen pot together ? for if the one be smitten against the other , it shall be broken . The rich man hath done wrong , and yet he threateneth withal : the poor is wronged , and he must intreat also . If thou be for his profit , he will use thee : but if thou have nothing , he will forsake thee . If thou have any thing , he will live with thee : yea , he will make thee bare , and will not be sorry for it . If he have need of thee , he will deceive thee , and smile upon thee , and put thee in hope ; he will speak thee fair , and say , What wantest thou ? And he will shame thee by his meats , until he have drawn thee dry twice or thrice , and at the last he will laugh thee to scorn afterward , when he seeth thee , he will forsake thee , and shake his head at thee . Beware that thou be not deceived and brought down in thy jollity . If thou be invited of a mighty man , withdraw thyself , and so much the more will he invite thee . Press thou not upon him , lest thou be put back ; stand not far off , lest thou be forgotten . Affect not to be made equal unto him in talk , and believe not his many words : for with much communication will he tempt thee , and smiling upon thee will get out thy secrets : But cruelly he will lay up thy words , and will not spare to do thee hurt , and to put thee in prison . Observe , and take good heed , for thou walkest in peril of thy overthrowing : when thou hearest these things , awake in thy sleep . Love the Lord all thy life , and call upon him for thy salvation . Every beast loveth his like , and every man loveth his neighbor . All flesh consorteth according to kind , and a man will cleave to his like . What fellowship hath the wolf with the lamb ? so the sinner with the godly . What agreement is there between the hyena and a dog ? and what peace between the rich and the poor ? As the wild ass is the lion's prey in the wilderness : so the rich eat up the poor . As the proud hate humility : so doth the rich abhor the poor . A rich man beginning to fall is held up of his friends : but a poor man being down is thrust away by his friends . When a rich man is fallen , he hath many helpers : he speaketh things not to be spoken , and yet men justify him : the poor man slipped , and yet they rebuked him too ; he spake wisely , and could have no place . When a rich man speaketh , every man holdeth his tongue , and , look , what he saith , they extol it to the clouds : but if the poor man speak , they say , What fellow is this ? and if he stumble , they will help to overthrow him . Riches are good unto him that hath no sin , and poverty is evil in the mouth of the ungodly . The heart of a man changeth his countenance , whether it be for good or evil : and a merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance . A cheerful countenance is a token of a heart that is in prosperity ; and the finding out of parables is a wearisome labour of the mind . Blessed is the man that hath not slipped with his mouth , and is not pricked with the multitude of sins . Blessed is he whose conscience hath not condemned him , and who is not fallen from his hope in the Lord . Riches are not comely for a niggard : and what should an envious man do with money ? He that gathereth by defrauding his own soul gathereth for others , that shall spend his goods riotously . He that is evil to himself , to whom will he be good ? he shall not take pleasure in his goods . There is none worse than he that envieth himself ; and this is a recompence of his wickedness . And if he doeth good , he doeth it unwillingly ; and at the last he will declare his wickedness . The envious man hath a wicked eye ; he turneth away his face , and despiseth men . A covetous man's eye is not satisfied with his portion ; and the iniquity of the wicked drieth up his soul . A wicked eye envieth [ his ] bread , and he is a niggard at his table . My son , according to thy ability do good to thyself , and give the Lord his due offering . Remember that death will not be long in coming , and that the covenant of the grave is not shewed unto thee . Do good unto thy friend before thou die , and according to thy ability stretch out thy hand and give to him . Defraud not thyself of the good day , and let not the part of a good desire overpass thee . Shalt thou not leave thy travails unto another ? and thy labours to be divided by lot ? Give , and take , and sanctify thy soul ; for there is no seeking of dainties in the grave . All flesh waxeth old as a garment : for the covenant from the beginning is , Thou shalt die the death . As of the green leaves on a thick tree , some fall , and some grow ; so is the generation of flesh and blood , one cometh to an end , and another is born . Every work rotteth and consumeth away , and the worker thereof shall go withal . Blessed is the man that doth meditate good things in wisdom , and that reasoneth of holy things by his understanding . ing . He that considereth her ways in his heart shall also have understanding in her secrets . Go after her as one that traceth , and lie in wait in her ways . He that prieth in at her windows shall also hearken at her doors . He that doth lodge near her house shall also fasten a pin in her walls . He shall pitch his tent nigh unto her , and shall lodge in a lodging where good things are . He shall set his children under her shelter , and shall lodge under her branches . By her he shall be covered from heat , and in her glory shall he dwell . He that feareth the Lord will do good , and he that hath the knowledge of the law shall obtain her . And as a mother shall she meet him , and receive him as a wife married of a virgin . With the bread of understanding shall she feed him , and give him the water of wisdom to drink . He shall be stayed upon her , and shall not be moved ; and shall rely upon her , and shall not be confounded . She shall exalt him above his neighbours , and in the midst of the congregation shall she open his mouth . He shall find joy and a crown of gladness , and she shall cause him to inherit an everlasting name . But foolish men shall not attain unto her , and sinners shall not see her . For she is far from pride , and men that are liars cannot remember her . Praise is not seemly in the mouth of a sinner , for it was not sent him of the Lord . For praise shall be uttered in wisdom , and the Lord will prosper it . Say not thou , It is through the Lord that I fell away : for thou oughtest not to do the things that he hateth . Say not thou , He hath caused me to err : for he hath no need of the sinful man . The Lord hateth all abomination ; and they that fear God love it not . He himself made man from the beginning , and left him in the hand of his counsel ; If thou wilt , to keep the commandments , and to perform acceptable faithfulness . He hath set fire and water before thee : stretch forth thy hand unto whether thou wilt . Before man is life and death ; and whether him liketh shall be given him . For the wisdom of the Lord is great , and he is mighty in power , and beholdeth all things : And his eyes are upon them that fear him , and he knoweth every work of man . He hath commanded no man to do wickedly , neither hath he given any man licence to sin . Desire not a multitude of unprofitable children , neither delight in ungodly sons . Though they multiply , rejoice not in them , except the fear of the Lord be with them . Trust not thou in their life , neither respect their multitude : for one that is just is better than a thousand ; and better it is to die without children , than to have them that are ungodly . For by one that hath understanding shall the city be replenished : but the kindred of the wicked shall speedily become desolate . Many such things have I seen with mine eyes , and mine ear hath heard greater things than these . In the congregation of the ungodly shall a fire be kindled ; and in a rebellious nation wrath is set on fire . He was not pacified toward the old giants , who fell away in the strength of their foolishness . Neither spared he the place where Lot sojourned , but abhorred them for their pride . He pitied not the people of perdition , who were taken away in their sins : Nor the six hundred thousand footmen , who were gathered together in the hardness of their hearts . And if there be one stiffnecked among the people , it is marvel if he escape unpunished : for mercy and wrath are with him ; he is mighty to forgive , and to pour out displeasure . As his mercy is great , so is his correction also : he judgeth a man according to his works The sinner shall not escape with his spoils : and the patience of the godly shall not be frustrate . Make way for every work of mercy : for every man shall find according to his works . The Lord hardened Pharaoh , that he should not know him , that his powerful works might be known to the world . His mercy is manifest to every creature ; and he hath separated his light from the darkness with an adamant . Say not thou , I will hide myself from the Lord : shall any remember me from above ? I shall not be remembered among so many people : for what is my soul among such an infinite number of creatures ? Behold , the heaven , and the heaven of heavens , the deep , and the earth , and all that therein is , shall be moved when he shall visit . The mountains also and foundations of the earth be shaken with trembling , when the Lord looketh upon them . No heart can think upon these things worthily : and who is able to conceive his ways ? It is a tempest which no man can see : for the most part of his works are hid . Who can declare the works of his justice ? or who can endure them ? for his covenant is afar off , and the trial of all things is in the end . He that wanteth understanding will think upon vain things : and a foolish man erring imagineth follies . by son , hearken unto me , and learn knowledge , and mark my words with thy heart . I will shew forth doctrine in weight , and declare his knowledge exactly . The works of the Lord are done in judgment from the beginning : and from the time he made them he disposed the parts thereof . He garnished his works for ever , and in his hand are the chief of them unto all generations : they neither labour , nor are weary , nor cease from their works . None of them hindereth another , and they shall never disobey his word . After this the Lord looked upon the earth , and filled it with his blessings . With all manner of living things hath he covered the face thereof ; and they shall return into it again . The Lord created man of the earth , and turned him into it again . He gave them few days , and a short time , and power also over the things therein . He endued them with strength by themselves , and made them according to his image , And put the fear of man upon all flesh , and gave him dominion over beasts and fowls . They received the use of the five operations of the Lord , and in the sixth place he imparted them understanding , and in the seventh speech , an interpreter of the cogitations thereof . ] Counsel , and a tongue , and eyes , ears , and a heart , gave he them to understand . Withal he filled them with the knowledge of understanding , and shewed them good and evil . He set his eye upon their hearts , that he might shew them the greatness of his works . He gave them to glory in his marvellous acts for ever , that they might declare his works with understanding . And the elect shall praise his holy name . Beside this he gave them knowledge , and the law of life for an heritage . He made an everlasting covenant with them , and shewed them his judgments . Their eyes saw the majesty of his glory , and their ears heard his glorious voice . And he said unto them , Beware of all unrighteousness ; and he gave every man commandment concerning his neighbour . Their ways are ever before him , and shall not be hid from his eyes . Every man from his youth is given to evil ; neither could they make to themselves fleshy hearts for stony . For in the division of the nations of the whole earth he set a ruler over every people ; but Israel is the Lord's portion : Whom , being his firstborn , he nourisheth with discipline , and giving him the light of his love doth not forsake him . Therefore all their works are as the sun before him , and his eyes are continually upon their ways . None of their unrighteous deeds are hid from him , but all their sins are before the Lord But the Lord being gracious and knowing his workmanship , neither left nor forsook them , but spared them . The alms of a man is as a signet with him , and he will keep the good deeds of man as the apple of the eye , and give repentance to his sons and daughters . Afterwards he will rise up and reward them , and render their recompence upon their heads . But unto them that repent , he granted them return , and comforted those that failed in patience . Return unto the Lord , and forsake thy sins , make thy prayer before his face , and offend less . Turn again to the most High , and turn away from iniquity : for he will lead thee out of darkness into the light of health , and hate thou abomination vehemently . Who shall praise the most High in the grave , instead of them which live and give thanks ? Thanksgiving perisheth from the dead , as from one that is not : the living and sound in heart shall praise the Lord . How great is the lovingkindness of the Lord our God , and his compassion unto such as turn unto him in holiness ! For all things cannot be in men , because the son of man is not immortal . What is brighter than the sun ? yet the light thereof faileth ; and flesh and blood will imagine evil . He vieweth the power of the height of heaven ; and all men are but earth and ashes . He that liveth for ever Hath created all things in general . The Lord only is righteous , and there is none other but he , Who governeth the world with the palm of his hand , and all things obey his will : for he is the King of all , by his power dividing holy things among them from profane . To whom hath he given power to declare his works ? and who shall find out his noble acts ? Who shall number the strength of his majesty ? and who shall also tell out his mercies ? As for the wondrous works of the Lord , there may nothing be taken from them , neither may any thing be put unto them , neither can the ground of them be found out . When a man hath done , then he beginneth ; and when he leaveth off , then he shall be doubtful . What is man , and whereto serveth he ? what is his good , and what is his evil ? The number of a man's days at the most are an hundred years . As a drop of water unto the sea , and a gravelstone in comparison of the sand ; so are a thousand years to the days of eternity . Therefore is God patient with them , and poureth forth his mercy upon them . He saw and perceived their end to be evil ; therefore he multiplied his compassion . The mercy of man is toward his neighbour ; but the mercy of the Lord is upon all flesh : he reproveth , and nurtureth , and teacheth and bringeth again , as a shepherd his flock . He hath mercy on them that receive discipline , and that diligently seek after his judgments . My son , blemish not thy good deeds , neither use uncomfortable words when thou givest any thing . Shall not the dew asswage the heat ? so is a word better than a gift . Lo , is not a word better than a gift ? but both are with a gracious man . A fool will upbraid churlishly , and a gift of the envious consumeth the eyes . Learn before thou speak , and use physick or ever thou be sick . Before judgment examine thyself , and in the day of visitation thou shalt find mercy . Humble thyself before thou be sick , and in the time of sins shew repentance . Let nothing hinder thee to pay thy vow in due time , and defer not until death to be justified . Before thou prayest , prepare thyself ; and be not as one that tempteth the Lord . Think upon the wrath that shall be at the end , and the time of vengeance , when he shall turn away his face . When thou hast enough , remember the time of hunger : and when thou art rich , think upon poverty and need . From the morning until the evening the time is changed , and all things are soon done before the Lord . A wise man will fear in every thing , and in the day of sinning he will beware of offence : but a fool will not observe time . Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom , and will give praise unto him that found her . They that were of understanding in sayings became also wise themselves , and poured forth exquisite parables . Go not after thy lusts , but refrain thyself from thine appetites . If thou givest thy soul the desires that please her , she will make thee a laughingstock to thine enemies that malign thee . Take not pleasure in much good cheer , neither be tied to the expence thereof . Be not made a beggar by banqueting upon borrowing , when thou hast nothing in thy purse : for thou shalt lie in wait for thine own life , and be talked on . A labouring man that A is given to drunkenness shall not be rich : and he that contemneth small things shall fall by little and little . Wine and women will make men of understanding to fall away : and he that cleaveth to harlots will become impudent . Moths and worms shall have him to heritage , and a bold man shall be taken away . He that is hasty to give credit is lightminded ; and he that sinneth shall offend against his own soul . Whoso taketh pleasure in wickedness shall be condemned : but he that resisteth pleasures crowneth his life . He that can rule his tongue shall live without strife ; and he that hateth babbling shall have less evil . Rehearse not unto another that which is told unto thee , and thou shalt fare never the worse . Whether it be to friend or foe , talk not of other men's lives ; and if thou canst without offence , reveal them not . For he heard and observed thee , and when time cometh he will hate thee . If thou hast heard a word , let it die with thee ; and be bold , it will not burst thee . A fool travaileth with a word , as a woman in labour of a child . As an arrow that sticketh in a man's thigh , so is a word within a fool's belly . Admonish a friend , it may be he hath not done it : and if he have done it , that he do it no more . Admonish thy friend , it may be he hath not said it : and if he have , that he speak it not again . Admonish a friend : for many times it is a slander , and believe not every tale . There is one that slippeth in his speech , but not from his heart ; and who is he that hath not offended with his tongue ? Admonish thy neighbour before thou threaten him ; and not being angry , give place to the law of the most High . The fear of the Lord is the first step to be accepted [ of him , ] and wisdom obtaineth his love . The knowledge of the commandments of the Lord is the doctrine of life : and they that do things that please him shall receive the fruit of the tree of immortality . The fear of the Lord is all wisdom ; and in all wisdom is the performance of the law , and the knowledge of his omnipotency . If a servant say to his master , I will not do as it pleaseth thee ; though afterward he do it , he angereth him that nourisheth him . The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom , neither at any time the counsel of sinners prudence . There is a wickedness , and the same an abomination ; and there is a fool wanting in wisdom . He that hath small understanding , and feareth God , is better than one that hath much wisdom , and transgresseth the law of the most High . There is an exquisite subtilty , and the same is unjust ; and there is one that turneth aside to make judgment appear ; and there is a wise man that justifieth in judgment . There is a wicked man that hangeth down his head sadly ; but inwardly he is full of deceit , Casting down his countenance , and making as if he heard not : where he is not known , he will do thee a mischief before thou be aware . And if for want of power he be hindered from sinning , yet when he findeth opportunity he will do evil . A man may be known by his look , and one that hath understanding by his countenance , when thou meetest him . A man's attire , and excessive laughter , and gait , shew what he is . There is a reproof that is not comely : again , some man holdeth his tongue , and he is wise . It is much better to reprove , than to be angry secretly : and he that confesseth his fault shall be preserved from hurt . How good is it , when thou art reproved , to shew repentance ! for so shalt thou escape wilful sin . As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin ; so is he that executeth judgment with violence . There is one that keepeth silence , and is found wise : and another by much babbling becometh hateful . Some man holdeth his tongue , because he hath not to answer : and some keepeth silence , knowing his time . A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity : but a babbler and a fool will regard no time . He that useth many words shall be abhorred ; and he that taketh to himself authority therein shall be hated . There is a sinner that hath good success in evil things ; and there is a gain that turneth to loss . There is a gift that shall not profit thee ; and there is a gift whose recompence is double . There is an abasement because of glory ; and there is that lifteth up his head from a low estate . There is that buyeth much for a little , and repayeth it sevenfold . A wise man by his words maketh him beloved : but the graces of fools shall be poured out . The gift of a fool shall do thee no good when thou hast it ; neither yet of the envious for his necessity : for he looketh to receive many things for one . He giveth little , and upbraideth much ; he openeth his mouth like a crier ; to day he lendeth , and to morrow will he ask it again : such an one is to be hated of God and man . The fool saith , I have no friends , I have no thank for all my good deeds , and they that eat my bread speak evil of me . How oft , and of how many shall he be laughed to scorn ! for he knoweth not aright what it is to have ; and it is all one unto him as if he had it not . To slip upon a pavement is better than to slip with the tongue : so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily . An unseasonable tale will always be in the mouth of the unwise . A wise sentence shall be rejected when it cometh out of a fool's mouth ; for he will not speak it in due season . There is that is hindered from sinning through want : and when he taketh rest , he shall not be troubled . There is that destroyeth his own soul through bashfulness , and by accepting of persons overthroweth himself . There is that for bashfulness promiseth to his friend , and maketh him his enemy for nothing . A lie is a foul blot in a man , yet it is continually in the mouth of the untaught . A thief is better than a man that is accustomed to lie : but they both shall have destruction to heritage . The disposition of a liar is dishonourable , and his shame is ever with him . A wise man shall promote himself to honour with his words : and he that hath understanding will please great men . He that tilleth his land shall increase his heap : and he that pleaseth great men shall get pardon for iniquity . Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise , and stop up his mouth that he cannot reprove . Wisdom that is hid , and treasure that is hoarded up , what profit is in them both ? Better is he that hideth his folly than a man that hideth his wisdom . Necessary patience in seeking ing the Lord is better than he that leadeth his life without a guide . My son , hast thou sinned ? do so no more , but ask pardon for thy former sins . Flee from sin as from the face of a serpent : for if thou comest too near it , it will bite thee : the teeth thereof are as the teeth of a lion , slaying the souls of men . All iniquity is as a two edged sword , the wounds whereof cannot be healed . To terrify and do wrong will waste riches : thus the house of proud men shall be made desolate . A prayer out of a poor man's mouth reacheth to the ears of God , and his judgment cometh speedily . He that hateth to be reproved is in the way of sinners : but he that feareth the Lord will repent from his heart . An eloquent man is known far and near ; but a man of understanding knoweth when he slippeth . He that buildeth his house with other men's money is like one that gathereth himself stones for the tomb of his burial . The congregation of the wicked is like tow wrapped together : and the end of them is a flame of fire to destroy them . The way of sinners is made plain with stones , but at the end thereof is the pit of hell . He that keepeth the law of the Lord getteth the understanding thereof : and the perfection of the fear of the Lord is wisdom . He that is not wise will not be taught : but there is a wisdom which multiplieth bitterness . The knowledge of a wise man shall abound like a flood : and his counsel is like a pure fountain of life . The inner parts of a fool are like a broken vessel , and he will hold no knowledge as long as he liveth . If a skilful man hear a wise word , he will commend it , and add unto it : but as soon as one of no understanding heareth it , it displeaseth him , and he casteth it behind his back . The talking of a fool is like a burden in the way : but grace shall be found in the lips of the wise . They enquire at the mouth of the wise man in the congregation , and they shall ponder his words in their heart . As is a house that is destroyed , so is wisdom to a fool : and the knowledge of the unwise is as talk without sense . Doctrine unto fools is as fetters on the feet , and like manacles on the right hand . A fool lifteth up his voice with laughter ; but a wise man doth scarce smile a little . Learning is unto a wise man as an ornament of gold , and like a bracelet upon his right arm . A foolish man's foot is soon in his [ neighbour's ] house : but a man of experience is ashamed of him . A fool will peep in at the door into the house : but he that is well nurtured will stand without . It is the rudeness of a man to hearken at the door : but a wise man will be grieved with the disgrace . The lips of talkers will be telling such things as pertain not unto them : but the words of such as have understanding are weighed in the balance . The heart of fools is in their mouth : but the mouth of the wise is in their heart . When the ungodly curseth Satan , he curseth his own soul . A whisperer defileth his own soul , and is hated wheresoever he dwelleth . A slothful man is compared to a filthy stone , and every one will hiss him out to his disgrace . A slothful man is compared to the filth of a dunghill : every man that takes it up will shake his hand . An evilnurtured man is the dishonour of his father that begat him : and a [ foolish ] daughter is born to his loss . A wise daughter shall bring an inheritance to her husband : but she that liveth dishonestly is her father's heaviness . She that is bold dishonoureth both her father and her husband , but they both shall despise her . A tale out of season [ is as ] musick in mourning : but stripes and correction of wisdom are never out of time . Whoso teacheth a fool is as one that glueth a potsherd together , and as he that waketh one from a sound sleep . He that telleth a tale to a fool speaketh to one in a slumber : when he hath told his tale , he will say , What is the matter ? If children live honestly , and have wherewithal , they shall cover the baseness of their parents . But children , being haughty , through disdain and want of nurture do stain the nobility of their kindred . Weep for the dead , for he hath lost the light : and weep for the fool , for he wanteth understanding : make little weeping for the dead , for he is at rest : but the life of the fool is worse than death . Seven days do men mourn for him that is dead ; but for a fool and an ungodly man all the days of his life . Talk not much with a fool , and go not to him that hath no understanding : beware of him , lest thou have trouble , and thou shalt never be defiled with his fooleries : depart from him , and thou shalt find rest , and never be disquieted with madness . What is heavier than lead ? and what is the name thereof , but a fool ? Sand , and salt , and a mass of iron , is easier to bear , than a man without understanding . As timber girt and bound together in a building cannot be loosed with shaking : so the heart that is stablished by advised counsel shall fear at no time . A heart settled upon a thought of understanding is as a fair plaistering on the wall of a gallery . Pales set on an high place will never stand against the wind : so a fearful heart in the imagination of a fool cannot stand against any fear . He that pricketh the eye will make tears to fall : and he that pricketh the heart maketh it to shew her knowledge . Whoso casteth a stone at the birds frayeth them away : and he that upbraideth his friend breaketh friendship . Though thou drewest a sword at thy friend , yet despair not : for there may be a returning [ to favour . ] If thou hast opened thy mouth against thy friend , fear not ; for there may be a reconciliation : except for upbraiding , or pride , or disclosing of secrets , or a treacherous wound : for for these things every friend will depart . Be faithful to thy neighbour in his poverty , that thou mayest rejoice in his prosperity : abide stedfast unto him in the time of his trouble , that thou mayest be heir with him in his heritage : for a mean estate is not always to be contemned : nor the rich that is foolish to be had in admiration . As the vapour and smoke of a furnace goeth before the fire ; so reviling before blood . I will not be ashamed to defend a friend ; neither will I hide myself from him . And if any evil happen unto me by him , every one that heareth it will beware of him . Who shall set a watch before my mouth , and a seal of wisdom upon my lips , that I fall not suddenly by them , and that my tongue destroy me not ? O Lord , Father and Governor of all my whole life , leave me not to their counsels , and let me not fall by them . Who will set scourges over my thoughts , and the discipline of wisdom over mine heart ? that they spare me not for mine ignorances , and it pass not by my sins : Lest mine ignorances increase , and my sins abound to my destruction , and I fall before mine adversaries , and mine enemy rejoice over me , whose hope is far from thy mercy . O Lord , Father and God of my life , give me not a proud look , but turn away from thy servants always a haughty mind . Turn away from me vain hopes and concupiscence , and thou shalt hold him up that is desirous always to serve thee . Let not the greediness of the belly nor lust of the flesh take hold of me ; and give not over me thy servant into an impudent mind . Hear , O ye children , the discipline of the mouth : he that keepeth it shall never be taken in his lips . The sinner shall be left in his foolishness : both the evil speaker and the proud shall fall thereby . Accustom not thy mouth to swearing ; neither use thyself to the naming of the Holy One . For as a servant that is continually beaten shall not be without a blue mark : so he that sweareth and nameth God continually shall not be faultless . A man that useth much swearing shall be filled with iniquity , and the plague shall never depart from his house : if he shall offend , his sin shall be upon him : and if he acknowledge not his sin , he maketh a double offence : and if he swear in vain , he shall not be innocent , but his house shall be full of calamities . There is a word that is clothed about with death : God grant that it be not found in the heritage of Jacob ; for all such things shall be far from the godly , and they shall not wallow in their sins . Use not thy mouth to intemperate swearing , for therein is the word of sin . Remember thy father and thy mother , when thou sittest among great men . Be not forgetful before them , and so thou by thy custom become a fool , and wish that thou hadst not been born , and curse they day of thy nativity . The man that is accustomed to opprobrious words will never be reformed all the days of his life . Two sorts of men multiply sin , and the third will bring wrath : a hot mind is as a burning fire , it will never be quenched till it be consumed : a fornicator in the body of his flesh will never cease till he hath kindled a fire . All bread is sweet to a whoremonger , he will not leave off till he die . A man that breaketh wedlock , saying thus in his heart , Who seeth me ? I am compassed about with darkness , the walls cover me , and no body seeth me ; what need I to fear ? the most High will not remember my sins : Such a man only feareth the eyes of men , and knoweth not that the eyes of the Lord are ten thousand times brighter than the sun , beholding all the ways of men , and considering the most secret parts . He knew all things ere ever they were created ; so also after they were perfected he looked upon them all . This man shall be punished in the streets of the city , and where he suspecteth not he shall be taken . Thus shall it go also with the wife that leaveth her husband , and bringeth in an heir by another . For first , she hath disobeyed the law of the most High ; and secondly , she hath trespassed against her own husband ; and thirdly , she hath played the whore in adultery , and brought children by another man . She shall be brought out into the congregation , and inquisition shall be made of her children . Her children shall not take root , and her branches shall bring forth no fruit . She shall leave her memory to be cursed , and her reproach shall not be blotted out . And they that remain shall know that there is nothing better than the fear of the Lord , and that there is nothing sweeter than to take heed unto the commandments of the Lord . It is great glory to follow the Lord , and to be received of him is long life . Wisdom shall praise herself , and shall glory in the midst of her people . In the congregation of the most High shall she open her mouth , and triumph before his power . I came out of the mouth of the most High , and covered the earth as a cloud . I dwelt in high places , and my throne is in a cloudy pillar . I alone compassed the circuit of heaven , and walked in the bottom of the deep . In the waves of the sea and in all the earth , and in every people and nation , I got a possession . With all these I sought rest : and in whose inheritance shall I abide ? So the Creator of all things gave me a commandment , and he that made me caused my tabernacle to rest , and said , Let thy dwelling be in Jacob , and thine inheritance in Israel . He created me from the beginning before the world , and I shall never fail . In the holy tabernacle I served before him ; and so was I established in Sion . Likewise in the beloved city he gave me rest , and in Jerusalem was my power . And I took root in an honourable people , even in the portion of the Lord's inheritance . I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus , and as a cypress tree upon the mountains of Hermon . I was exalted like a palm tree in En-gaddi , and as a rose plant in Jericho , as a fair olive tree in a pleasant field , and grew up as a plane tree by the water . I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon and aspalathus , and I yielded a pleasant odour like the best myrrh , as galbanum , and onyx , and sweet storax , and as the fume of frankincense in the tabernacle . As the turpentine tree I stretched out my branches , and my branches are the branches of honour and grace . As the vine brought I forth pleasant savour , and my flowers are the fruit of honour and riches . I am the mother of fair love , and fear , and knowledge , and holy hope : I therefore , being eternal , am given to all my children which are named of him . Come unto me , all ye that be desirous of me , and fill yourselves with my fruits . For my memorial is sweeter than honey , and mine inheritance than the honeycomb . They that eat me shall yet be hungry , and they that drink me shall yet be thirsty . He that obeyeth me shall never be confounded , and they that work by me shall not do amiss . All these things are the book of the covenant of the most high God , even the law which Moses commanded for an heritage unto the congregations of Jacob . Faint not to be strong in the Lord ; that he may confirm you , cleave unto him : for the Lord Almighty is God alone , and beside him there is no other Saviour . He filleth all things with his wisdom , as Phison and as Tigris in the time of the new fruits . He maketh the understanding to abound like Euphrates , and as Jordan in the time of the harvest . He maketh the doctrine of knowledge appear as the light , and as Geon in the time of vintage . The first man knew her not perfectly : no more shall the last find her out . For her thoughts are more than the sea , and her counsels profounder than the great deep . I also came out as a brook from a river , and as a conduit into a garden . I said , I will water my best garden , and will water abundantly my garden bed : and , lo , my brook became a river , and my river became a sea . I will yet make doctrine to shine as the morning , and will send forth her light afar off . I will yet pour out doctrine as prophecy , and leave it to all ages for ever . Behold that I have not laboured for myself only , but for all them that seek wisdom . In three things I was beautified , and stood up beautiful both before God and men : the unity of brethren , the love of neighbours , a man and a wife that agree together . Three sorts of men my soul hateth , and I am greatly offended at their life : a poor man that is proud , a rich man that is a liar , and an old adulterer that doateth . If thou hast gathered nothing in thy youth , how canst thou find any thing in thine age ? O how comely a thing is judgment for gray hairs , and for ancient men to know counsel ! O how comely is the wisdom of old men , and understanding and counsel to men of honour . Much experience is the crown of old men , and the fear of God is their glory . There be nine things which I have judged in mine heart to be happy , and the tenth I will utter with my tongue : A man that hath joy of his children ; and he that liveth to see the fall of his enemy : Well is him that dwelleth with a wife of understanding , and that hath not slipped with his tongue , and that hath not served a man more unworthy than himself : Well is him that hath found prudence , and he that speaketh in the ears of them that will hear : O how great is he that findeth wisdom ! yet is there none above him that feareth the Lord . But the love of the Lord passeth all things for illumination : he that holdeth it , whereto shall he be likened ? The fear of the Lord is the beginning of his love : and faith is the beginning of cleaving unto him . [ Give me ] any plague , but the plague of the heart : and any wickedness , but the wickedness of a woman : And any affliction , but the affliction from them that hate me : and any revenge , but the revenge of enemies . There is no head above the head of a serpent ; and there is no wrath above the wrath of an enemy . I had rather dwell with a lion and a dragon , than to keep house with a wicked woman . The wickedness of a woman changeth her face , and darkeneth her countenance like sackcloth . Her husband shall sit among his neighbours ; and when he heareth it shall sigh bitterly . All wickedness is but little to the wickedness of a woman : let the portion of a sinner fall upon her . As the climbing up a sandy way is to the feet of the aged , so is a wife full of words to a quiet man . Stumble not at the beauty of a woman , and desire her not for pleasure . A woman , if she maintain her husband , is full of anger , impudence , and much reproach . A wicked woman abateth the courage , maketh an heavy countenance and a wounded heart : a woman that will not comfort her husband in distress maketh weak hands and feeble knees . Of the woman came the beginning of sin , and through her we all die . Give the water no passage ; neither a wicked woman liberty to gad abroad . If she go not as thou wouldest have her , cut her off from thy flesh , and give her a bill of divorce , and let her go . Blessed is the man that hath a virtuous wife , for the number of his days shall be double . A virtuous woman rejoiceth her husband , and he shall fulfil the years of his life in peace . A good wife is a good portion , which shall be given in the portion of them that fear the Lord . Whether a man be rich or poor , if he have a good heart toward the Lord , he shall at all times rejoice with a cheerful countenance . There be three things that mine heart feareth ; and for the fourth I was sore afraid : the slander of a city , the gathering together of an unruly multitude , and a false accusation : all these are worse than death . But a grief of heart and sorrow is a woman that is jealous over another woman , and a scourge of the tongue which communicateth with all . An evil wife is a yoke shaken to and fro : he that hath hold of her is as though he held a scorpion . A drunken woman and a gadder abroad causeth great anger , and she will not cover her own shame . The whoredom of a woman may be known in her haughty looks and eyelids . If thy daughter be shameless , keep her in straitly , lest she abuse herself through overmuch liberty . Watch over an impudent eye : and marvel not if she trespass against thee . She will open her mouth , as a thirsty traveller when he hath found a fountain , and drink of every water near her : by every hedge will she sit down , and open her quiver against every arrow . The grace of a wife delighteth her husband , and her discretion will fatten his bones . A silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord ; and there is nothing so much worth as a mind well instructed . A shamefaced and faithful woman is a double grace , and her continent mind cannot be valued . As the sun when it ariseth in the high heaven ; so is the beauty of a good wife in the ordering of her house . As the clear light is upon the holy candlestick ; so is the beauty of the face in ripe age . As the golden pillars are upon the sockets of silver ; so are the fair feet with a constant heart . My son , keep the flower of thine age sound ; and give not thy strength to strangers . When thou hast gotten a fruitful possession through all the field , sow it with thine own seed , trusting in the goodness of thy stock . So thy race which thou leavest shall be magnified , having the confidence of their good descent . An harlot shall be accounted as spittle ; but a married woman is a tower against death to her husband . A wicked woman is given as a portion to a wicked man : but a godly woman is given to him that feareth the Lord . A dishonest woman contemneth shame : but an honest woman will reverence her husband . A shameless woman shall be counted as a dog ; but she that is shamefaced will fear the Lord . A woman that honoureth her husband shall be judged wise of all ; but she that dishonoureth him in her pride shall be counted ungodly of all . A loud crying woman and a scold shall be sought out to drive away the enemies . There be two things that grieve my heart ; and the third maketh me angry : a man of war that suffereth poverty ; and men of understanding that are not set by ; and one that returneth from righteousness to sin ; the Lord prepareth such an one for the sword . A merchant shall hardly keep himself from doing wrong ; and an huckster shall not be freed from sin . Many have sinned for a small matter ; and he that seeketh for abundance will turn his eyes away . As a nail sticketh fast between the joinings of the stones ; so doth sin stick close between buying and selling . Unless a man hold himself diligently in the fear of the Lord , his house shall soon be overthrown . As when one sifteth with a sieve , the refuse remaineth ; so the filth of man in his talk . The furnace proveth the potter's vessels ; so the trial of man is in his reasoning . The fruit declareth if the tree have been dressed ; so is the utterance of a conceit in the heart of man . Praise no man before thou hearest him speak ; for this is the trial of men . If thou followest righteousness , thou shalt obtain her , and put her on , as a glorious long robe . The birds will resort unto their like ; so will truth return unto them that practise in her . As the lion lieth in wait for the prey ; so sin for them that work iniquity . The discourse of a godly man is always with wisdom ; but a fool changeth as the moon . If thou be among the indiscreet , observe the time ; but be continually among men of understanding . The discourse of fools is irksome , and their sport is the wantonness of sin . The talk of him that sweareth much maketh the hair stand upright ; and their brawls make one stop his ears . The strife of the proud is bloodshedding , and their revilings are grievous to the ear . Whoso discovereth secrets loseth his credit ; and shall never find friend to his mind . Love thy friend , and be faithful unto him : but if thou betrayest his secrets , follow no more after him . For as a man hath destroyed his enemy ; so hast thou lost the love of thy neighbor . As one that letteth a bird go out of his hand , so hast thou let thy neighbour go , and shalt not get him again Follow after him no more , for he is too far off ; he is as a roe escaped out of the snare . As for a wound , it may be bound up ; and after reviling there may be reconcilement : but he that betrayeth secrets is without hope . He that winketh with the eyes worketh evil : and he that knoweth him will depart from him . When thou art present , he will speak sweetly , and will admire thy words : but at the last he will writhe his mouth , and slander thy sayings . I have hated many things , but nothing like him ; for the Lord will hate him . Whoso casteth a stone on high casteth it on his own head ; and a deceitful stroke shall make wounds . Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein : and he that setteth a trap shall be taken therein . He that worketh mischief , it shall fall upon him , and he shall not know whence it cometh . Mockery and reproach are from the proud ; but vengeance , as a lion , shall lie in wait for them . They that rejoice at the fall of the righteous shall be taken in the snare ; and anguish shall consume them before they die . Malice and wrath , even these are abominations ; and the sinful man shall have them both . He that revengeth shall find vengeance from the Lord , and he will surely keep his sins [ in remembrance . ] Forgive thy neighbour the hurt that he hath done unto thee , so shall thy sins also be forgiven when thou prayest . One man beareth hatred against another , and doth he seek pardon from the Lord ? He sheweth no mercy to a man , which is like himself : and doth he ask forgiveness of his own sins ? If he that is but flesh nourish hatred , who will intreat for pardon of his sins ? Remember thy end , and let enmity cease ; [ remember ] corruption and death , and abide in the commandments . Remember the commandments , and bear no malice to thy neighbour : [ remember ] the covenant of the Highest , and wink at ignorance . Abstain from strife , and thou shalt diminish thy sins : for a furious man will kindle strife , A sinful man disquieteth friends , and maketh debate among them that be at peace . As the matter of the fire is , so it burneth : and as a man's strength is , so is his wrath ; and according to his riches his anger riseth ; and the stronger they are which contend , the more they will be inflamed . An hasty contention kindleth a fire : and an hasty fighting sheddeth blood . If thou blow the spark , it shall burn : if thou spit upon it , it shall be quenched : and both these come out of thy mouth . Curse the whisperer and doubletongued : for such have destroyed many that were at peace . A backbiting tongue hath disquieted many , and driven them from nation to nation : strong cities hath it pulled down , and overthrown the houses of great men . A backbiting tongue hath cast out virtuous women , and deprived them of their labours . Whoso hearkeneth unto it shall never find rest , and never dwell quietly . The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh : but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones . Many have fallen by the edge of the sword : but not so many as have fallen by the tongue . Well is he that is defended through the venom thereof ; who hath not drawn the yoke thereof , nor hath been bound in her bands . For the yoke thereof is a yoke of iron , and the bands thereof are bands of brass . The death thereof is an evil death , the grave were better than it . It shall not have rule over them that fear God , neither shall they be burned with the flame thereof . Such as forsake the Lord shall fall into it ; and it shall burn in them , and not be quenched ; it shall be sent upon them as a lion , and devour them as a leopard . Look that thou hedge thy possession about with thorns , and bind up thy silver and gold , And weigh thy words in a balance , and make a door and bar for thy mouth . Beware thou slide not by it , lest thou fall before him that lieth in wait . He that is merciful will lend unto his neighbour ; and he that strengtheneth his hand keepeth the commandments . Lend to thy neighbour in time of his need , and pay thou thy neighbour again in due season . Keep thy word , and deal faithfully with him , and thou shalt always find the thing that is necessary for thee . Many , when a thing was lent them , reckoned it to be found , and put them to trouble that helped them . Till he hath received , he will kiss a man's hand ; and for his neighbour's money he will speak submissly : but when he should repay , he will prolong the time , and return words of grief , and complain of the time . If he prevail , he shall hardly receive the half , and he will count as if he had found it : if not , he hath deprived him of his money , and he hath gotten him an enemy without cause : he payeth him with cursings and railings ; and for honour he will pay him disgrace . Many therefore have refused to lend for other men's ill dealing , fearing to be defrauded . Yet have thou patience with a man in poor estate , and delay not to shew him mercy . Help the poor for the commandment's sake , and turn him not away because of his poverty . Lose thy money for thy brother and thy friend , and let it not rust under a stone to be lost . Lay up thy treasure according to the commandments of the most High , and it shall bring thee more profit than gold . Shut up alms in thy storehouses : and it shall deliver thee from all affliction . It shall fight for thee against thine enemies better than a mighty shield and strong spear . An honest man is surety for his neighbour : but he that is impudent will forsake him . Forget not the friendship of thy surety , for he hath given his life for thee . A sinner will overthrow the good estate of his surety : And he that is of an unthankful mind will leave him [ in danger ] that delivered him . Suretiship hath undone many of good estate , and shaken them as a wave of the sea : mighty men hath it driven from their houses , so that they wandered among strange nations . A wicked man transgressing the commandments of the Lord shall fall into suretiship : and he that undertaketh and followeth other men's business for gain shall fall into suits . Help thy neighbour according to thy power , and beware that thou thyself fall not into the same . The chief thing for life is water , and bread , and clothing , and an house to cover shame . Better is the life of a poor man in a mean cottage , than delicate fare in another man's house . Be it little or much , hold thee contented , that thou hear not the reproach of thy house . For it is a miserable life to go from house to house : for where thou art a stranger , thou darest not open thy mouth . Thou shalt entertain , and feast , and have no thanks : moreover thou shalt hear bitter words : Come , thou stranger , and furnish a table , and feed me of that thou hast ready . Give place , thou stranger , to an honourable man ; my brother cometh to be lodged , and I have need of mine house . These things are grievous to a man of understanding ; the upbraiding of houseroom , and reproaching of the lender . He that loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the rod , that he may have joy of him in the end . He that chastiseth his son shall have joy in him , and shall rejoice of him among his acquaintance . He that teacheth his son grieveth the enemy : and before his friends he shall rejoice of him . Though his father die , yet he is as though he were not dead : for he hath left one behind him that is like himself . While he lived , he saw and rejoiced in him : and when he died , he was not sorrowful . He left behind him an avenger against his enemies , and one that shall requite kindness to his friends . He that maketh too much of his son shall bind up his wounds ; and his bowels will be troubled at every cry . An horse not broken becometh headstrong : and a child left to himself will be wilful . Cocker thy child , and he shall make thee afraid : play with him , and he will bring thee to heaviness . Laugh not with him , lest thou have sorrow with him , and lest thou gnash thy teeth in the end . Give him no liberty in his youth , and wink not at his follies . Bow down his neck while he is young , and beat him on the sides while he is a child , lest he wax stubborn , and be disobedient unto thee , and so bring sorrow to thine heart . Chastise thy son , and hold him to labour , lest his lewd behaviour be an offence unto thee . Better is the poor , being sound and strong of constitution , than a rich man that is afflicted in his body . Health and good estate of body are above all gold , and a strong body above infinite wealth . There is no riches above a sound body , and no joy above the joy of the heart . Death is better than a bitter life or continual sickness . Delicates poured upon a mouth shut up are as messes of meat set upon a grave . What good doeth the offering unto an idol ? for neither can it eat nor smell : so is he that is persecuted of the Lord . He seeth with his eyes and groaneth , as an eunuch that embraceth a virgin and sigheth . Give not over thy mind to heaviness , and afflict not thyself in thine own counsel . The gladness of the heart is the life of man , and the joyfulness of a man prolongeth his days . Love thine own soul , and comfort thy heart , remove sorrow far from thee : for sorrow hath killed many , and there is no profit therein . Envy and wrath shorten the life , and carefulness bringeth age before the time . A cheerful and good heart will have a care of his meat and diet . Watching for riches consumeth the flesh , and the care thereof driveth away sleep . Watching care will not let a man slumber , as a sore disease breaketh sleep , The rich hath great labour in gathering riches together ; and when he resteth , he is filled with his delicates . The poor laboureth in his poor estate ; and when he leaveth off , he is still needy . He that loveth gold shall not be justified , and he that followeth corruption shall have enough thereof . Gold hath been the ruin of many , and their destruction was present . It is a stumblingblock unto them that sacrifice unto it , and every fool shall be taken therewith . Blessed is the rich that is found without blemish , and hath not gone after gold . Who is he ? and we will call him blessed : for wonderful things hath he done among his people . Who hath been tried thereby , and found perfect ? then let him glory . Who might offend , and hath not offended ? or done evil , and hath not done it ? His goods shall be established , and the congregation shall declare his alms . If thou sit at a bountiful table , be not greedy upon it , and say not , There is much meat on it . Remember that a wicked eye is an evil thing : and what is created more wicked than an eye ? therefore it weepeth upon every occasion . Stretch not thine hand whithersoever it looketh , and thrust it not with him into the dish . Judge not thy neighbour by thyself : and be discreet in every point . Eat as it becometh a man , those things which are set before thee ; and devour note , lest thou be hated . Leave off first for manners' sake ; and be not unsatiable , lest thou offend . When thou sittest among many , reach not thine hand out first of all . A very little is sufficient for a man well nurtured , and he fetcheth not his wind short upon his bed . Sound sleep cometh of moderate eating : he riseth early , and his wits are with him : but the pain of watching , and choler , and pangs of the belly , are with an unsatiable man . And if thou hast been forced to eat , arise , go forth , vomit , and thou shalt have rest . My son , hear me , and despise me not , and at the last thou shalt find as I told thee : in all thy works be quick , so shall there no sickness come unto thee . Whoso is liberal of his meat , men shall speak well of him ; and the report of his good housekeeping will be believed . But against him that is a niggard of his meat the whole city shall murmur ; and the testimonies of his niggardness shall not be doubted of . Shew not thy valiantness in wine ; for wine hath destroyed many . The furnace proveth the edge by dipping : so doth wine the hearts of the proud by drunkeness . Wine is as good as life to a man , if it be drunk moderately : what life is then to a man that is without wine ? for it was made to make men glad . Wine measurably drunk and in season bringeth gladness of the heart , and cheerfulness of the mind : But wine drunken with excess maketh bitterness of the mind , with brawling and quarrelling . Drunkenness increaseth the rage of a fool till he offend : it diminisheth strength , and maketh wounds . Rebuke not thy neighbour at the wine , and despise him not in his mirth : give him no despiteful words , and press not upon him with urging him [ to drink . ] If thou be made the master [ of a feast , ] lift not thyself up , but be among them as one of the rest ; take diligent care for them , and so sit down . And when thou hast done all thy office , take thy place , that thou mayest be merry with them , and receive a crown for thy well ordering of the feast . Speak , thou that art the elder , for it becometh thee , but with sound judgment ; and hinder not musick . Pour not out words where there is a musician , and shew not forth wisdom out of time . A concert of musick in a banquet of wine is as a signet of carbuncle set in gold . As a signet of an emerald set in a work of gold , so is the melody of musick with pleasant wine . Speak , young man , if there be need of thee : and yet scarcely when thou art twice asked . Let thy speech be short , comprehending much in few words ; be as one that knoweth and yet holdeth his tongue . If thou be among great men , make not thyself equal with them ; and when ancient men are in place , use not many words . Before the thunder goeth lightning ; and before a shamefaced man shall go favour . Rise up betimes , and be not the last ; but get thee home without delay . There take thy pastime , and do what thou wilt : but sin not by proud speech . And for these things bless him that made thee , and hath replenished thee with his good things . Whoso feareth the Lord will receive his discipline ; and they that seek him early shall find favour . He that seeketh the law shall be filled therewith : but the hypocrite will be offended thereat . They that fear the Lord shall find judgment , and shall kindle justice as a light . A sinful man will not be reproved , but findeth an excuse according to his will . A man of counsel will be considerate ; but a strange and proud man is not daunted with fear , even when of himself he hath done without counsel . Do nothing without advice ; and when thou hast once done , repent not . Go not in a way wherein thou mayest fall , and stumble not among the stones . Be not confident in a plain way . And beware of thine own children . In every good work trust thy own soul ; for this is the keeping of the commandments . He that believeth in the Lord taketh heed to the commandment ; and he that trusteth in him shall fare never the worse . There shall no evil happen unto him that feareth the Lord ; but in temptation even again he will deliver him . A wise man hateth not the law ; but he that is an hypocrite therein is as a ship in a storm . A man of understanding trusteth in the law ; and the law is faithful unto him , as an oracle . Prepare what to say , and so thou shalt be heard : and bind up instruction , and then make answer . The heart of the foolish is like a cartwheel ; and his thoughts are like a rolling axletree . A stallion horse is as a mocking friend , he neigheth under every one that sitteth upon him . Why doth one day excel another , when as all the light of every day in the year is of the sun ? By the knowledge of the Lord they were distinguished : and he altered seasons and feasts . Some of them hath he made high days , and hallowed them , and some of them hath he made ordinary days . And all men are from the ground , and Adam was created of earth : In much knowledge the Lord hath divided them , and made their ways diverse . Some of them hath he blessed and exalted and some of them he sanctified , and set near himself : but some of them hath he cursed and brought low , and turned out of their places . As the clay is in the potter's hand , to fashion it at his pleasure : so man is in the hand of him that made him , to render to them as liketh him best . Good is set against evil , and life against death : so is the godly against the sinner , and the sinner against the godly . So look upon all the works of the most High ; and there are two and two , one against another . I awaked up last of all , as one that gathereth after the grapegatherers : by the blessing of the Lord I profited , and tred my winepress like a gatherer of grapes . Consider that I laboured not for myself only , but for all them that seek learning . Hear me , O ye great men of the people , and hearken with your ears , ye rulers of the congregation . Give not thy son and wife , thy brother and friend , power over thee while thou livest , and give not thy goods to another : lest it repent thee , and thou intreat for the same again . As long as thou livest and hast breath in thee , give not thyself over to any . For better it is that thy children should seek to thee , than that thou shouldest stand to their courtesy . In all thy works keep to thyself the preeminence ; leave not a stain in thine honour . At the time when thou shalt end thy days , and finish thy life , distribute thine inheritance . Fodder , a wand , and burdens , are for the ass ; and bread , correction , and work , for a servant . . If thou set thy servant to labour , thou shalt find rest : but if thou let him go idle , he shall seek liberty . A yoke and a collar do bow the neck : so are tortures and torments for an evil servant . Send him to labour , that he be not idle ; for idleness teacheth much evil . Set him to work , as is fit for him : if he be not obedient , put on more heavy fetters . But be not excessive toward any ; and without discretion do nothing . If thou have a servant , let him be unto thee as thyself , because thou hast bought him with a price . If thou have a servant , entreat him as a brother : for thou hast need of him , as of thine own soul : if thou entreat him evil , and he run from thee , which way wilt thou go to seek him ? The hopes of a man void of understanding are vain and false : and dreams lift up fools . Whoso regardeth dreams is like him that catcheth at a shadow , and followeth after the wind . The vision of dreams is the resemblance of one thing to another , even as the likeness of a face to a face . Of an unclean thing what can be cleansed ? and from that thing which is false what truth can come ? Divinations , and soothsayings , and dreams , are vain : and the heart fancieth , as a woman's heart in travail . If they be not sent from the most High in thy visitation , set not thy heart upon them . For dreams have deceived many , and they have failed that put their trust in them . The law shall be found perfect without lies : and wisdom is perfection to a faithful mouth . A man that hath travelled knoweth many things ; and he that hath much experience will declare wisdom . He that hath no experience knoweth little : but he that hath travelled is full of prudence . When I travelled , I saw many things ; and I understand more than I can express . I was ofttimes in danger of death : yet I was delivered because of these things . The spirit of those that fear the Lord shall live ; for their hope is in him that saveth them . Whoso feareth the Lord shall not fear nor be afraid ; for he is his hope . Blessed is the soul of him that feareth the Lord : to whom doth he look ? and who is his strength ? For the eyes of the Lord are upon them that love him , he is their mighty protection and strong stay , a defence from heat , and a cover from the sun at noon , a preservation from stumbling , and an help from falling . He raiseth up the soul , and lighteneth the eyes : he giveth health , life , and blessing . He that sacrificeth of a thing wrongfully gotten , his offering is ridiculous ; and the gifts of unjust men are not accepted . The most High is not pleased with the offerings of the wicked ; neither is he pacified for sin by the multitude of sacrifices . Whoso bringeth an offering of the goods of the poor doeth as one that killeth the son before his father's eyes . The bread of the needy is their life : he that defraudeth him thereof is a man of blood . He that taketh away his neighbour's living slayeth him ; and he that defraudeth the labourer of his hire is a bloodshedder . When one buildeth , and another pulleth down , what profit have they then but labour ? When one prayeth , and another curseth , whose voice will the Lord hear ? He that washeth himself after the touching of a dead body , if he touch it again , what availeth his washing ? So is it with a man that fasteth for his sins , and goeth again , and doeth the same : who will hear his prayer ? or what doth his humbling profit him ? He that keepeth the law bringeth offerings enough : he that taketh heed to the commandment offereth a peace offering . He that requiteth a goodturn offereth fine flour ; and he that giveth alms sacrificeth praise . To depart from wickedness is a thing pleasing to the Lord ; and to forsake unrighteousness is a propitiation . Thou shalt not appear empty before the Lord . For all these things [ are to be done ] because of the commandment . The offering of the righteous maketh the altar fat , and the sweet savour thereof is before the most High . The sacrifice of a just man is acceptable . and the memorial thereof shall never be forgotten . Give the Lord his honour with a good eye , and diminish not the firstfruits of thine hands . In all thy gifts shew a cheerful countenance , and dedicate thy tithes with gladness . Give unto the most High according as he hath enriched thee ; and as thou hast gotten , give with a cheerful eye . For the Lord recompenseth , and will give thee seven times as much . Do not think to corrupt with gifts ; for such he will not receive : and trust not to unrighteous sacrifices ; for the Lord is judge , and with him is no respect of persons . He will not accept any person against a poor man , but will hear the prayer of the oppressed . He will not despise the supplication of the fatherless ; nor the widow , when she poureth out her complaint . Do not the tears run down the widow's cheeks ? and is not her cry against him that causeth them to fall ? He that serveth the Lord shall be accepted with favour , and his prayer shall reach unto the clouds . The prayer of the humble pierceth the clouds : and till it come nigh , he will not be comforted ; and will not depart , till the most High shall behold to judge righteously , and execute judgment . For the Lord will not be slack , neither will the Mighty be patient toward them , till he have smitten in sunder the loins of the unmerciful , and repayed vengeance to the heathen ; till he have taken away the multitude of the proud , and broken the sceptre of the unrighteous ; Till he have rendered to every man according to his deeds , and to the works of men according to their devices ; till he have judged the cause of his people , and made them to rejoice in his mercy . Mercy is seasonable in the time of affliction , as clouds of rain in the time of drought . Have mercy upon us , O Lord God of all , and behold us : And send thy fear upon all the nations that seek not after thee . Lift up thy hand against the strange nations , and let them see thy power . As thou wast sanctified in us before them : so be thou magnified among them before us . And let them know thee , as we have known thee , that there is no God but only thou , O God . Shew new signs , and make other strange wonders : glorify thy hand and thy right arm , that they may set forth thy wondrous works . Raise up indignation , and pour out wrath : take away the adversary , and destroy the enemy . Sake the time short , remember the covenant , and let them declare thy wonderful works . Let him that escapeth be consumed by the rage of the fire ; and let them perish that oppress the people . Smite in sunder the heads of the rulers of the heathen , that say , There is none other but we . Gather all the tribes of Jacob together , and inherit thou them , as from the beginning . O Lord , have mercy upon the people that is called by thy name , and upon Israel , whom thou hast named thy firstborn . O be merciful unto Jerusalem , thy holy city , the place of thy rest . Fill Sion with thine unspeakable oracles , and thy people with thy glory : Give testimony unto those that thou hast possessed from the beginning , and raise up prophets that have been in thy name . Reward them that wait for thee , and let thy prophets be found faithful . O Lord , hear the prayer of thy servants , according to the blessing of Aaron over thy people , that all they which dwell upon the earth may know that thou art the Lord , the eternal God . The belly devoureth all meats , yet is one meat better than another . As the palate tasteth divers kinds of venison : so doth an heart of understanding false speeches . A froward heart causeth heaviness : but a man of experience will recompense him . A woman will receive every man , yet is one daughter better than another . The beauty of a woman cheereth the countenance , and a man loveth nothing better . If there be kindness , meekness , and comfort , in her tongue , then is not her husband like other men . He that getteth a wife beginneth a possession , a help like unto himself , and a pillar of rest . Where no hedge is , there the possession is spoiled : and he that hath no wife will wander up and down mourning . Who will trust a thief well appointed , that skippeth from city to city ? so [ who will believe ] a man that hath no house , and lodgeth wheresoever the night taketh him ? Every friend saith , I am his friend also : but there is a friend , which is only a friend in name . Is it not a grief unto death , when a companion and friend is turned to an enemy ? O wicked imagination , whence camest thou in to cover the earth with deceit ? There is a companion , which rejoiceth in the prosperity of a friend , but in the time of trouble will be against him . There is a companion , which helpeth his friend for the belly , and taketh up the buckler against the enemy . Forget not thy friend in thy mind , and be not unmindful of him in thy riches . Every counsellor extolleth counsel ; but there is some that counselleth for himself . Beware of a counsellor , and know before what need he hath ; for he will counsel for himself ; lest he cast the lot upon thee , And say unto thee , Thy way is good : and afterward he stand on the other side , to see what shall befall thee . Consult not with one that suspecteth thee : and hide thy counsel from such as envy thee . Neither consult with a woman touching her of whom she is jealous ; neither with a coward in matters of war ; nor with a merchant concerning exchange ; nor with a buyer of selling ; nor with an envious man of thankfulness ; nor with an unmerciful man touching kindness ; nor with the slothful for any work ; nor with an hireling for a year of finishing work ; nor with an idle servant of much business : hearken not unto these in any matter of counsel . But be continually with a godly man , whom thou knowest to keep the commandments of the Lord , whose , mind is according to thy mind , and will sorrow with thee , if thou shalt miscarry . And let the counsel of thine own heart stand : for there is no man more faithful unto thee than it . For a man's mind is sometime wont to tell him more than seven watchmen , that sit above in an high tower . And above all this pray to the most High , that he will direct thy way in truth . Let reason go before every enterprize , and counsel before every action . The countenance is a sign of changing of the heart . Four manner of things appear : good and evil , life and death : but the tongue ruleth over them continually . There is one that is wise and teacheth many , and yet is unprofitable to himself . There is one that sheweth wisdom in words , and is hated : he shall be destitute of all food . For grace is not given , him from the Lord , because he is deprived of all wisdom . Another is wise to himself ; and the fruits of understanding are commendable in his mouth . A wise man instructeth his people ; and the fruits of his understanding fail not . A wise man shall be filled with blessing ; and all they that see him shall count him happy . The days of the life of man may be numbered : but the days of Israel are innumerable . A wise man shall inherit glory among his people , and his name shall be perpetual . My son , prove thy soul in thy life , and see what is evil for it , and give not that unto it . For all things are not profitable for all men , neither hath every soul pleasure in every thing . Be not unsatiable in any dainty thing , nor too greedy upon meats : For excess of meats bringeth sickness , and surfeiting will turn into choler . By surfeiting have many perished ; but he that taketh heed prolongeth his life . Honour a physician with the honour due unto him for the uses which ye may have of him : for the Lord hath created him . For of the most High cometh healing , and he shall receive honour of the king . The skill of the physician shall lift up his head : and in the sight of great men he shall be in admiration . The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth ; and he that is wise will not abhor them . Was not the water made sweet with wood , that the virtue thereof might be known ? And he hath given men skill , that he might be honoured in his marvellous works . With such doth he heal [ men , ] and taketh away their pains . Of such doth the apothecary make a confection ; and of his works there is no end ; and from him is peace over all the earth , My son , in thy sickness be not negligent : but pray unto the Lord , and he will make thee whole . Leave off from sin , and order thine hands aright , and cleanse thy heart from all wickedness . Give a sweet savour , and a memorial of fine flour ; and make a fat offering , as not being . Then give place to the physician , for the Lord hath created him : let him not go from thee , for thou hast need of him . There is a time when in their hands there is good success . For they shall also pray unto the Lord , that he would prosper that , which they give for ease and remedy to prolong life . He that sinneth before his Maker , let him fall into the hand of the physician . My son , let tears fall down over the dead , and begin to lament , as if thou hadst suffered great harm thyself ; and then cover his body according to the custom , and neglect not his burial . Weep bitterly , and make great moan , and use lamentation , as he is worthy , and that a day or two , lest thou be evil spoken of : and then comfort thyself for thy heaviness . For of heaviness cometh death , and the heaviness of the heart breaketh strength . In affliction also sorrow remaineth : and the life of the poor is the curse of the heart . Take no heaviness to heart : drive it away , and member the last end . Forget it not , for there is no turning again : thou shalt not do him good , but hurt thyself . Remember my judgment : for thine also shall be so ; yesterday for me , and to day for thee . When the dead is at rest , let his remembrance rest ; and be comforted for him , when his Spirit is departed from him . The wisdom of a learned man cometh by opportunity of leisure : and he that hath little business shall become wise . How can he get wisdom that holdeth the plough , and that glorieth in the goad , that driveth oxen , and is occupied in their labours , and whose talk is of bullocks ? He giveth his mind to make furrows ; and is diligent to give the kine fodder . So every carpenter and workmaster , that laboureth night and day : and they that cut and grave seals , and are diligent to make great variety , and give themselves to counterfeit imagery , and watch to finish a work : The smith also sitting by the anvil , and considering the iron work , the vapour of the fire wasteth his flesh , and he fighteth with the heat of the furnace : the noise of the hammer and the anvil is ever in his ears , and his eyes look still upon the pattern of the thing that he maketh ; he setteth his mind to finish his work , and watcheth to polish it perfectly : So doth the potter sitting at his work , and turning the wheel about with his feet , who is alway carefully set at his work , and maketh all his work by number ; He fashioneth the clay with his arm , and boweth down his strength before his feet ; he applieth himself to lead it over ; and he is diligent to make clean the furnace : All these trust to their hands : and every one is wise in his work . Without these cannot a city be inhabited : and they shall not dwell where they will , nor go up and down : They shall not be sought for in publick counsel , nor sit high in the congregation : they shall not sit on the judges' seat , nor understand the sentence of judgment : they cannot declare justice and judgment ; and they shall not be found where parables are spoken . But they will maintain the state of the world , and [ all ] their desire is in the work of their craft . But he that giveth his mind to the law of the most High , and is occupied in the meditation thereof , will seek out the wisdom of all the ancient , and be occupied in prophecies . He will keep the sayings of the renowned men : and where subtil parables are , he will be there also . He will seek out the secrets of grave sentences , and be conversant in dark parables . He shall serve among great men , and appear before princes : he will travel through strange countries ; for he hath tried the good and the evil among men . He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him , and will pray before the most High , and will open his mouth in prayer , and make supplication for his sins . When the great Lord will , he shall be filled with the spirit of understanding : he shall pour out wise sentences , and give thanks unto the Lord in his prayer . He shall direct his counsel and knowledge , and in his secrets shall he meditate . He shall shew forth that which he hath learned , and shall glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord . Many shall commend his understanding ; and so long as the world endureth , it shall not be blotted out ; his memorial shall not depart away , and his name shall live from generation to generation . Nations shall shew forth his wisdom , and the congregation shall declare his praise . If he die , he shall leave a greater name than a thousand : and if he live , he shall increase it . Yet have I more to say , which I have thought upon ; for I am filled as the moon at the full . Hearken unto me , ye holy children , and bud forth as a rose growing by the brook of the field : And give ye a sweet savour as frankincense , and flourish as a lily , send forth a smell , and sing a song of praise , bless the Lord in all his works . Magnify his name , and shew forth his praise with the songs of your lips , and with harps , and in praising him ye shall say after this manner : All the works of the Lord are exceeding good , and whatsoever he commandeth shall be accomplished in due season . And none may say , What is this ? wherefore is that ? for at time convenient they shall all be sought out : at his commandment the waters stood as an heap , and at the words of his mouth the receptacles of waters . At his commandment is done whatsoever pleaseth him ; and none can hinder , when he will save . The works of all flesh are before him , and nothing can be hid from his eyes . He seeth from everlasting to everlasting ; and there is nothing wonderful before him . A man need not to say , What is this ? wherefore is that ? for he hath made all things for their uses . His blessing covered the dry land as a river , and watered it as a flood . As he hath turned the waters into saltness : so shall the heathen inherit his wrath . As his ways are plain unto the holy ; so are they stumblingblocks unto the wicked . For the good are good things created from the beginning : so evil things for sinners . The principal things for the whole use of man's life are water , fire , iron , and salt , flour of wheat , honey , milk , and the blood of the grape , and oil , and clothing . All these things are for good to the godly : so to the sinners they are turned into evil . There be spirits that are created for vengeance , which in their fury lay on sore strokes ; in the time of destruction they pour out their force , and appease the wrath of him that made them . Fire , and hail , and famine , and death , all these were created for vengeance ; Teeth of wild beasts , and scorpions , serpents , and the sword punishing the wicked to destruction . They shall rejoice in his commandment , and they shall be ready upon earth , when need is ; and when their time is come , they shall not transgress his word . Therefore from the beginning I was resolved , and thought upon these things , and have left them in writing . All the works of the Lord are good : and he will give every needful thing in due season . So that a man cannot say , This is worse than that : for in time they shall all be well approved . And therefore praise ye the Lord with the whole heart and mouth , and bless the name of the Lord . Great travail is created for every man , and an heavy yoke is upon the sons of Adam , from the day that they go out of their mother's womb , till the day that they return to the mother of all things . Their imagination of things to come , and the day of death , [ trouble ] their thoughts , and [ cause ] fear of heart ; From him that sitteth on a throne of glory , unto him that is humbled in earth and ashes ; From him that weareth purple and a crown , unto him that is clothed with a linen frock . Wrath , and envy , trouble , and unquietness , fear of death , and anger , and strife , and in the time of rest upon his bed his night sleep , do change his knowledge . A little or nothing is his rest , and afterward he is in his sleep , as in a day of keeping watch , troubled in the vision of his heart , as if he were escaped out of a battle . When all is safe , he awaketh , and marvelleth that the fear was nothing . [ Such things happen ] unto all flesh , both man and beast , and that is sevenfold more upon sinners . Death , and bloodshed , strife , and sword , calamities , famine , tribulation , and the scourge ; These things are created for the wicked , and for their sakes came the flood . All things that are of the earth shall turn to the earth again : and that which is of the waters doth return into the sea . All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out : but true dealing shall endure for ever . The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river , and shall vanish with noise , like a great thunder in rain . While he openeth his hand he shall rejoice : so shall transgressors come to nought . The children of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches : but are as unclean roots upon a hard rock . The weed growing upon every water and bank of a river shall be pulled up before all grass . Bountifulness is as a most fruitful garden , and mercifulness endureth for ever . To labour , and to be content with that a man hath , is a sweet life : but he that findeth a treasure is above them both . Children and the building of a city continue a man's name : but a blameless wife is counted above them both . Wine and musick rejoice the heart : but the love of wisdom is above them both . The pipe and the psaltery make sweet melody : but a pleasant tongue is above them both . Thine eye desireth favour and beauty : but more than both corn while it is green . A friend and companion never meet amiss : but above both is a wife with her husband . Brethren and help are against time of trouble : but alms shall deliver more than them both . Gold and silver make the foot stand sure : but counsel is esteemed above them both . Riches and strength lift up the heart : but the fear of the Lord is above them both : there is no want in the fear of the Lord , and it needeth not to seek help . The fear of the Lord is a fruitful garden , and covereth him above all glory . My son , lead not a beggar's life ; for better it is to die than to beg . The life of him that dependeth on another man's table is not to be counted for a life ; for he polluteth himself with other men's meat : but a wise man well nurtured will beware thereof . Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless : but in his belly there shall burn a fire . O death , how bitter is the remembrance of thee to a man that liveth at rest in his possessions , unto the man that hath nothing to vex him , and that hath prosperity in all things : yea , unto him that is yet able to receive meat ! O death , acceptable is thy sentence unto the needy , and unto him whose strength faileth , that is now in the last age , and is vexed with all things , and to him that despaireth , and hath lost patience ! Fear not the sentence of death , remember them that have been before thee , and that come after ; for this is the sentence of the Lord over all flesh . And why art thou against the pleasure of the most High ? there is no inquisition in the grave , whether thou have lived ten , or an hundred , or a thousand years . The children of sinners are abominable children , and they that are conversant in the dwelling of the ungodly . The inheritance of sinners' children shall perish , and their posterity shall have a perpetual reproach . The children will complain of an ungodly father , because they shall be reproached for his sake . Woe be unto you , ungodly men , which have forsaken the law of the most high God ! for if ye increase , it shall be to your destruction : And if ye be born , ye shall be born to a curse : and if ye die , a curse shall be your portion . All that are of the earth shall turn to earth again : so the ungodly shall go from a curse to destruction . The mourning of men is about their bodies : but an ill name of sinners shall be blotted out . Have regard to thy name ; for that shall continue with thee above a thousand great treasures of gold . A good life hath but few days : but a good name endureth for ever . My children , keep discipline in peace : for wisdom that is hid , and a treasure that is not seen , what profit is in them both ? A man that hideth his foolishness is better than a man that hideth his wisdom . Therefore be shamefaced according to my word : for it is not good to retain all shamefacedness ; neither is it altogether approved in every thing . Be ashamed of whoredom before father and mother : and of a lie before a prince and a mighty man ; Of an offence before a judge and ruler ; of iniquity before a congregation and people ; of unjust dealing before thy partner and friend ; And of theft in regard of the place where thou sojournest , and in regard of the truth of God and his covenant ; and to lean with thine elbow upon the meat ; and of scorning to give and take ; And of silence before them that salute thee ; and to look upon an harlot ; And to turn away thy face from thy kinsman ; or to take away a portion or a gift ; or to gaze upon another man's wife . Or to be overbusy with his maid , and come not near her bed ; or of upbraiding speeches before friends ; and after thou hast given , upbraid not ; Or of iterating and speaking again that which thou hast heard ; and of revealing of secrets . So shalt thou be truly shamefaced and find favour before all men . Of these things be not thou ashamed , and accept no person to sin thereby : Of the law of the most High , and his covenant ; and of judgment to justify the ungodly ; Of reckoning with thy partners and travellers ; or of the gift of the heritage of friends ; Of exactness of balance and weights ; or of getting much or little ; And of merchants' indifferent selling ; of much correction of children ; and to make the side of an evil servant to bleed . Sure keeping is good , where an evil wife is ; and shut up , where many hands are . Deliver all things in number and weight ; and put all in writing that thou givest out , or receivest in . Be not ashamed to inform the unwise and foolish , and the extreme aged that contendeth with those that are young : thus shalt thou be truly learned , and approved of all men living . The father waketh for the daughter , when no man knoweth ; and the care for her taketh away sleep : when she is young , lest she pass away the flower of her age ; and being married , lest she should be hated : In her virginity , lest she should be defiled and gotten with child in her father's house ; and having an husband , lest she should misbehave herself ; and when she is married , lest she should be barren . Keep a sure watch over a shameless daughter , lest she make thee a laughingstock to thine enemies , and a byword in the city , and a reproach among the people , and make thee ashamed before the multitude . Behold not every body's beauty , and sit not in the midst of women . For from garments cometh a moth , and from women wickedness . Better is the churlishness of a man than a courteous woman , a woman , I say , which bringeth shame and reproach . I will now remember the works of the Lord , and declare the things that I have seen : In the words of the Lord are his works . The sun that giveth light looketh upon all things , and the work thereof is full of the glory of the Lord . The Lord hath not given power to the saints to declare all his marvellous works , which the Almighty Lord firmly settled , that whatsoever is might be established for his glory . He seeketh out the deep , and the heart , and considereth their crafty devices : for the Lord knoweth all that may be known , and he beholdeth the signs of the world . He declareth the things that are past , and for to come , and revealeth the steps of hidden things . No thought escapeth him , neither any word is hidden from him . He hath garnished the excellent works of his wisdom , and he is from everlasting to everlasting : unto him may nothing be added , neither can he be diminished , and he hath no need of any counsellor . Oh how desirable are all his works ! and that a man may see even to a spark . All these things live and remain for ever for all uses , and they are all obedient . All things are double one against another : and he hath made nothing imperfect . One thing establisheth the good or another : and who shall be filled with beholding his glory ? The pride of the height , the clear firmament , the beauty of heaven , with his glorious shew ; The sun when it appeareth , declaring at his rising a marvellous instrument , the work of the most High : At noon it parcheth the country , and who can abide the burning heat thereof ? A man blowing a furnace is in works of heat , but the sun burneth the mountains three times more ; breathing out fiery vapours , and sending forth bright beams , it dimmeth the eyes . Great is the Lord that made it ; and at his commandment runneth hastily . He made the moon also to serve in her season for a declaration of times , and a sign of the world . From the moon is the sign of feasts , a light that decreaseth in her perfection . The month is called after her name , increasing wonderfully in her changing , being an instrument of the armies above , shining in the firmament of heaven ; The beauty of heaven , the glory of the stars , an ornament giving light in the highest places of the Lord . At the commandment of the Holy One they will stand in their order , and never faint in their watches . Look upon the rainbow , and praise him that made it ; very beautiful it is in the brightness thereof . It compasseth the heaven about with a glorious circle , and the hands of the most High have bended it . By his commandment he maketh the snow to fall aplace , and sendeth swiftly the lightnings of his judgment . Through this the treasures are opened : and clouds fly forth as fowls . By his great power he maketh the clouds firm , and the hailstones are broken small . At his sight the mountains are shaken , and at his will the south wind bloweth . The noise of the thunder maketh the earth to tremble : so doth the northern storm and the whirlwind : as birds flying he scattereth the snow , and the falling down thereof is as the lighting of grasshoppers : The eye marvelleth at the beauty of the whiteness thereof , and the heart is astonished at the raining of it . The hoarfrost also as salt he poureth on the earth , and being congealed , it lieth on the top of sharp stakes . When the cold north wind bloweth , and the water is congealed into ice , it abideth upon every gathering together of water , and clotheth the water as with a breastplate . It devoureth the mountains , and burneth the wilderness , and consumeth the grass as fire . A present remedy of all is a mist coming speedily , a dew coming after heat refresheth . By his counsel he appeaseth the deep , and planteth islands therein . They that sail on the sea tell of the danger thereof ; and when we hear it with our ears , we marvel thereat . For therein be strange and wondrous works , variety of all kinds of beasts and whales created . By him the end of them hath prosperous success , and by his word all things consist . We may speak much , and yet come short : wherefore in sum , he is all . How shall we be able to magnify him ? for he is great above all his works . The Lord is terrible and very great , and marvellous is his power . When ye glorify the Lord , exalt him as much as ye can ; for even yet will he far exceed : and when ye exalt him , put forth all your strength , and be not weary ; for ye can never go far enough . Who hath seen him , that he might tell us ? and who can magnify him as he is ? There are yet hid greater things than these be , for we have seen but a few of his works . For the Lord hath made all things ; and to the godly hath he given wisdom . Let us now praise famous men , and our fathers that begat us . The Lord hath wrought great glory by them through his great power from the beginning . Such as did bear rule in their kingdoms , men renowned for their power , giving counsel by their understanding , and declaring prophecies : Leaders of the people by their counsels , and by their knowledge of learning meet for the people , wise and eloquent are their instructions : Such as found out musical tunes , and recited verses in writing : Rich men furnished with ability , living peaceably in their habitations : All these were honoured in their generations , and were the glory of their times . There be of them , that have left a name behind them , that their praises might be reported . And some there be , which have no memorial ; who are perished , as though they had never been ; and are become as though they had never been born ; and their children after them . But these were merciful men , whose righteousness hath not been forgotten . With their seed shall continually remain a good inheritance , and their children are within the covenant . Their seed standeth fast , and their children for their sakes . Their seed shall remain for ever , and their glory shall not be blotted out . Their bodies are buried in peace ; but their name liveth for evermore . The people will tell of their wisdom , and the congregation will shew forth their praise . Enoch pleased the Lord , and was translated , being an example of repentance to all generations . Noah was found perfect and righteous ; in the time of wrath he was taken in exchange [ for the world ; ] therefore was he left as a remnant unto the earth , when the flood came . An everlasting covenant was made with him , that all flesh should perish no more by the flood . Abraham was a great father of many people : in glory was there none like unto him ; Who kept the law of the most High , and was in covenant with him : he established the covenant in his flesh ; and when he was proved , he was found faithful . Therefore he assured him by an oath , that he would bless the nations in his seed , and that he would multiply him as the dust of the earth , and exalt his seed as the stars , and cause them to inherit from sea to sea , and from the river unto the utmost part of the land . With Isaac did he establish likewise [ for Abraham his father's sake ] the blessing of all men , and the covenant , And made it rest upon the head of Jacob . He acknowledged him in his blessing , and gave him an heritage , and divided his portions ; among the twelve tribes did he part them . And he brought out of him a merciful man , which found favour in the sight of all flesh , even Moses , beloved of God and men , whose memorial is blessed . He made him like to the glorious saints , and magnified him , so that his enemies stood in fear of him . By his words he caused the wonders to cease , and he made him glorious in the sight of kings , and gave him a commandment for his people , and shewed him part of his glory . He sanctified him in his faithfuless and meekness , and chose him out of all men . He made him to hear his voice , and brought him into the dark cloud , and gave him commandments before his face , even the law of life and knowledge , that he might teach Jacob his covenants , and Israel his judgments . He exalted Aaron , an holy man like unto him , even his brother , of the tribe of Levi . An everlasting covenant he made with him and gave him the priesthood among the people ; he beautified him with comely ornaments , and clothed him with a robe of glory . He put upon him perfect glory ; and strengthened him with rich garments , with breeches , with a long robe , and the ephod . And he compassed him with pomegranates , and with many golden bells round about , that as he went there might be a sound , and a noise made that might be heard in the temple , for a memorial to the children of his people ; With an holy garment , with gold , and blue silk , and purple , the work of the embroidere , with a breastplate of judgment , and with Urim and Thummim ; With twisted scarlet , the work of the cunning workman , with precious stones graven like seals , and set in gold , the work of the jeweller , with a writing engraved for a memorial , after the number of the tribes of Israel . He set a crown of gold upon the mitre , wherein was engraved Holiness , an ornament of honour , a costly work , the desires of the eyes , goodly and beautiful . Before him there were none such , neither did ever any stranger put them on , but only his children and his children's children perpetually . Their sacrifices shall be wholly consumed every day twice continually . Moses consecrated him , and anointed him with holy oil : this was appointed unto him by an everlasting covenant , and to his seed , so long as the heavens should remain , that they should minister unto him , and execute the office of the priesthood , and bless the people in his name . He chose him out of all men living to offer sacrifices to the Lord , incense , and a sweet savour , for a memorial , to make reconciliation for his people . He gave unto him his commandments , and authority in the statutes of judgments , that he should teach Jacob the testimonies , and inform Israel in his laws . Strangers conspired together against him , and maligned him in the wilderness , even the men that were of Dathan's and Abiron's side , and the congregation of Core , with fury and wrath . This the Lord saw , and it displeased him , and in his wrathful indignation were they consumed : he did wonders upon them , to consume them with the fiery flame . But he made Aaron more honourable , and gave him an heritage , and divided unto him the firstfruits of the increase ; especially he prepared bread in abundance : For they eat of the sacrifices of the Lord , which he gave unto him and his seed . Howbeit in the land of the people he had no inheritance , neither had he any portion among the people : for the Lord himself is his portion and inheritance . The third in glory is Phinees the son of Eleazar , because he had zeal in the fear of the Lord , and stood up with good courage of heart : when the people were turned back , and made reconciliation for Israel . Therefore was there a covenant of peace made with him , that he should be the chief of the sanctuary and of his people , and that he and his posterity should have the dignity of the priesthood for ever : According to the covenant made with David son of Jesse , of the tribe of Juda , that the inheritance of the king should be to his posterity alone : so the inheritance of Aaron should also be unto his seed . God give you wisdom in your heart to judge his people in righteousness , that their good things be not abolished , and that their glory may endure for ever . Jesus the son a Nave was valiant in the wars , and was the successor of Moses in prophecies , who according to his name was made great for the saving of the elect of God , and taking vengeance of the enemies that rose up against them , that he might set Israel in their inheritance . How great glory gat he , when he did lift up his hands , and stretched out his sword against the cities ! Who before him so stood to it ? for the Lord himself brought his enemies unto him . Did not the sun go back by his means ? and was not one day as long as two ? He called upon the most high Lord , when the enemies pressed upon him on every side ; and the great Lord heard him . And with hailstones of mighty power he made the battle to fall violently upon the nations , and in the descent [ of Beth-horon ] he destroyed them that resisted , that the nations might know all their strength , because he fought in the sight of the Lord , and he followed the Mighty One . In the time of Moses also he did a work of mercy , he and Caleb the son of Jephunne , in that they withstood the congregation , and withheld the people from sin , and appeased the wicked murmuring . And of six hundred thousand people on foot , they two were preserved to bring them in to the heritage , even unto the land that floweth with milk and honey . The Lord gave strength also unto Caleb , which remained with him unto his old age : so that he entered upon the high places of the land , and his seed obtained it for an heritage : That all the children of Israel might see that it is good to follow the Lord . And concerning the judges , every one by name , whose heart went not a whoring , nor departed from the Lord , let their memory be blessed . Let their bones flourish out of their place , and let the name of them that were honoured be continued upon their children . Samuel , the prophet of the Lord , beloved of his Lord , established a kingdom , and anointed princes over his people . By the law of the Lord he judged the congregation , and the Lord had respect unto Jacob . By his faithfulness he was found a true prophet , and by his word he was known to be faithful in vision . He called upon the mighty Lord , when his enemies pressed upon him on every side , when he offered the sucking lamb . And the Lord thundered from heaven , and with a great noise made his voice to be heard . And he destroyed the rulers of the Tyrians , and all the princes cf the Philistines . And before his long sleep he made protestations in the sight of the Lord and his anointed , I have not taken any man's goods , so much as a shoe : and no man did accuse him . And after his death he prophesied , and shewed the king his end , and lifted up his voice from the earth in prophecy , to blot out the wickedness of the people . And after him rose up Nathan to prophesy in the time of David . As is the fat taken away from the peace offering , so was David chosen out of the children of Israel . He played with lions as with kids , and with bears as with lambs . Slew he not a giant , when he was yet but young ? and did he not take away reproach from the people , when he lifted up his hand with the stone in the sling , and beat down the boasting of Goliath ? For he called upon the most high Lord ; and he gave him strength in his right hand to slay that mighty warrior , and set up the horn of his people . So the people honoured him with ten thousands , and praised him in the blessings of the Lord , in that he gave him a crown of glory . For he destroyed the enemies on every side , and brought to nought the Philistines his adversaries , and brake their horn in sunder unto this day . In all his works he praised the Holy One most high with words of glory ; with his whole heart he sung songs , and loved him that made him . He set singers also before the altar , that by their voices they might make sweet melody , and daily sing praises in their songs . He beautified their feasts , and set in order the solemn times until the end , that they might praise his holy name , and that the temple might sound from morning . The Lord took away his sins , and exalted his horn for ever : he gave him a covenant of kings , and a throne of glory in Israel . After him rose up a wise son , and for his sake he dwelt at large . Solomon reigned in a peaceable time , and was honoured ; for God made all quiet round about him , that he might build an house in his name , and prepare his sanctuary for ever . How wise wast thou in thy youth and , as a flood , filled with understanding ! Thy soul covered the whole earth , and thou filledst it with dark parables . Thy name went far unto the islands ; and for thy peace thou wast beloved . The countries marvelled at thee for thy songs , and proverbs , and parables , and interpretations . By the name of the Lord God , which is called the Lord God of Israel , thou didst gather gold as tin and didst multiply silver as lead . Thou didst bow thy loins unto women , and by thy body thou wast brought into subjection . Thou didst stain thy honour , and pollute thy seed : so that thou broughtest wrath upon thy children , and wast grieved for thy folly . So the kingdom was divided , and out of Ephraim ruled a rebellious kingdom . But the Lord will never leave off his mercy , neither shall any of his works perish , neither will he abolish the posterity of his elect , and the seed of him that loveth him he will not take away : wherefore he gave a remnant unto Jacob , and out of him a root unto David . Thus rested Solomon with his fathers , and of his seed he left behind him Roboam , even the foolishness of the people , and one that had no understanding , who turned away the people through his counsel . There was also Jeroboam the son of Nebat , who caused Israel to sin , and shewed Ephraim the way of sin : And their sins were multiplied exceedingly , that they were driven out of the land . For they sought out all wickedness , till the vengeance came upon them . Then stood up Elias the prophet as fire , and his word burned like a lamp . He brought a sore famine upon them , and by his zeal he diminished their number . By the word of the Lord he shut up the heaven , and also three times brought down fire . O Elias , how wast thou honoured in thy wondrous deeds ! and who may glory like unto thee ! Who didst raise up a dead man from death , and his soul from the place of the dead , by the word of the most High : Who broughtest kings to destruction , and honorable men from their bed : Who heardest the rebuke of the Lord in Sinai , and in Horeb the judgment of vengeance : Who annointedst kings to take revenge , and prophets to succeed after him : Who was taken up in a whirlwind of fire , and in a chariot of fiery horses : Who wast ordained for reproofs in their times , to pacify the wrath of the Lord's judgment , before it brake forth into fury , and to turn the heart of the father unto the son , and to restore the tribes of Jacob . Blessed are they that saw thee , and slept in love ; for we shall surely live . Elias it was , who was covered with a whirlwind : and Eliseus was filled with his spirit : whilst he lived , he was not moved with the presence of any prince , neither could any bring him into subjection . No word could overcome him ; and after his death his body prophesied . He did wonders in his life , and at his death were his works marvellous . For all this the people repented not , neither departed they from their sins , till they were spoiled and carried out of their land , and were scattered through all the earth : yet there remained a small people , and a ruler in the house of David : Of whom some did that which was pleasing to God , and some multiplied sins . Ezekias fortified his city , and brought in water into the midst thereof : he digged the hard rock with iron , and made wells for waters . In his time Sennacherib came up , and sent Rabsaces , and lifted up his hand against Sion , and boasted proudly . Then trembled their hearts and hands , and they were in pain , as women in travail . But they called upon the Lord which is merciful , and stretched out their hands toward him : and immediately the Holy One heard them out of heaven , and delivered them by the ministry of Esay . He smote the host of the Assyrians , and his angel destroyed them . For Ezekias had done the thing that pleased the Lord , and was strong in the ways of David his father , as Esay the prophet , who was great and faithful in his vision , had commanded him . In his time the sun went backward , and he lengthened the king's life . He saw by an excellent spirit what should come to pass at the last , and he comforted them that mourned in Sion . He shewed what should come to pass for ever , and secret things or ever they came . The remembrance of Josias is like the composition of the perfume that is made by the art of the apothecary : it is sweet as honey in all mouths , and as musick at a banquet of wine . He behaved himself uprightly in the conversion of the people , and took away the abominations of iniquity . He directed his heart unto the Lord , and in the time of the ungodly he established the worship of God . All , except David and Ezekias and Josias , were defective : for they forsook the law of the most High , even the kings of Juda failed . Therefore he gave their power unto others , and their glory to a strange nation . They burnt the chosen city of the sanctuary , and made the streets desolate , according to the prophecy of Jeremias . For they entreated him evil , who nevertheless was a prophet , sanctified in his mother's womb , that he might root out , and afflict , and destroy ; and that he might build up also , and plant . It was Ezekiel who saw the glorious vision , which was shewed him upon the chariot of the cherubims . For he made mention of the enemies under the figure of the rain , and directed them that went right . And of the twelve prophets let the memorial be blessed , and let their bones flourish again out of their place : for they comforted Jacob , and delivered them by assured hope . How shall we magnify Zorobabel ? even he was as a signet on the right hand : So was Jesus the son of Josedec : who in their time builded the house , and set up an holy temple to the Lord , which was prepared for everlasting glory . And among the elect was Neemias , whose renown is great , who raised up for us the walls that were fallen , and set up the gates and the bars , and raised up our ruins again . But upon the earth was no man created like Enoch ; for he was taken from the earth . Neither was there a young man born like Joseph , a governor of his brethren , a stay of the people , whose bones were regarded of the Lord . Sem and Seth were in great honour among men , and so was Adam above every living thing in creation . Simon the high priest , the son of Onias , who in his life repaired the house again , and in his days fortified the temple : And by him was built from the foundation the double height , the high fortress of the wall about the temple : In his days the cistern to receive water , being in compass as the sea , was covered with plates of brass : He took care of the temple that it should not fall , and fortified the city against besieging : How was he honoured in the midst of the people in his coming out of the sanctuary ! He was as the morning star in the midst of a cloud , and as the moon at the full : As the sun shining upon the temple of the most High , and as the rainbow giving light in the bright clouds : And as the flower of roses in the spring of the year , as lilies by the rivers of waters , and as the branches of the frankincense tree in the time of summer : As fire and incense in the censer , and as a vessel of beaten gold set with all manner of precious stones : And as a fair olive tree budding forth fruit , and as a cypress tree which groweth up to the clouds . When he put on the robe of honour , and was clothed with the perfection of glory , when he went up to the holy altar , he made the garment of holiness honourable . When he took the portions out of the priests' hands , he himself stood by the hearth of the altar , compassed about , as a young cedar in Libanus ; and as palm trees compassed they him round about . So were all the sons of Aaron in their glory , and the oblations of the Lord in their hands , before all the congregation of Israel . And finishing the service at the altar , that he might adorn the offering of the most high Almighty , He stretched out his hand to the cup , and poured of the blood of the grape , he poured out at the foot of the altar a sweetsmelling savour unto the most high King of all . Then shouted the sons of Aaron , and sounded the silver trumpets , and made a great noise to be heard , for a remembrance before the most High . Then all the people together hasted , and fell down to the earth upon their faces to worship their Lord God Almighty , the most High . The singers also sang praises with their voices , with great variety of sounds was there made sweet melody . And the people besought the Lord , the most High , by prayer before him that is merciful , till the solemnity of the Lord was ended , and they had finished his service . Then he went down , and lifted up his hands over the whole congregation of the children of Israel , to give the blessing of the Lord with his lips , and to rejoice in his name . And they bowed themselves down to worship the second time , that they might receive a blessing from the most High . Now therefore bless ye the God of all , which only doeth wondrous things every where , which exalteth our days from the womb , and dealeth with us according to his mercy . He grant us joyfulness of heart , and that peace may be in our days in Israel for ever : That he would confirm his mercy with us , and deliver us at his time ! There be two manner of nations which my heart abhorreth , and the third is no nation : They that sit upon the mountain of Samaria , and they that dwell among the Philistines , and that foolish people that dwell in Sichem . Jesus the son of Sirach of Jerusalem hath written in this book the instruction of understanding and knowledge , who out of his heart poured forth wisdom . Blessed is he that shall be exercised in these things ; and he that layeth them up in his heart shall become wise . For if he do them , he shall be strong to all things : for the light of the Lord leadeth him , who giveth wisdom to the godly . Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever . Amen , Amen . [ A Prayer of Jesus the son of Sirach . ] I will thank thee , O Lord and King , and praise thee , O God my Saviour : I do give praise unto thy name : For thou art my defender and helper , and has preserved my body from destruction , and from the snare of the slanderous tongue , and from the lips that forge lies , and has been mine helper against mine adversaries : And hast delivered me , according to the multitude of they mercies and greatness of thy name , from the teeth of them that were ready to devour me , and out of the hands of such as sought after my life , and from the manifold afflictions which I had ; From the choking of fire on every side , and from the midst of the fire which I kindled not ; From the depth of the belly of hell , from an unclean tongue , and from lying words . By an accusation to the king from an unrighteous tongue my soul drew near even unto death , my life was near to the hell beneath . They compassed me on every side , and there was no man to help me : I looked for the succour of men , but there was none . Then thought I upon thy mercy , O Lord , and upon thy acts of old , how thou deliverest such as wait for thee , and savest them out of the hands of the enemies . Then lifted I up my supplications from the earth , and prayed for deliverance from death . I called upon the Lord , the Father of my Lord , that he would not leave me in the days of my trouble , and in the time of the proud , when there was no help . I will praise thy name continually , and will sing praises with thanksgiving ; and so my prayer was heard : For thou savedst me from destruction , and deliveredst me from the evil time : therefore will I give thanks , and praise thee , and bless they name , O Lord . When I was yet young , or ever I went abroad , I desired wisdom openly in my prayer . I prayed for her before the temple , and will seek her out even to the end . Even from the flower till the grape was ripe hath my heart delighted in her : my foot went the right way , from my youth up sought I after her . I bowed down mine ear a little , and received her , and gat much learning . I profited therein , therefore will I ascribe glory unto him that giveth me wisdom . For I purposed to do after her , and earnestly I followed that which is good ; so shall I not be confounded . My soul hath wrestled with her , and in my doings I was exact : I stretched forth my hands to the heaven above , and bewailed my ignorances of her . I directed my soul unto her , and I found her in pureness : I have had my heart joined with her from the beginning , therefore shall I not be foresaken . My heart was troubled in seeking her : therefore have I gotten a good possession . The Lord hath given me a tongue for my reward , and I will praise him therewith . Draw near unto me , ye unlearned , and dwell in the house of learning . Wherefore are ye slow , and what say ye to these things , seeing your souls are very thirsty ? I opened my mouth , and said , Buy her for yourselves without money . Put your neck under the yoke , and let your soul receive instruction : she is hard at hand to find . Behold with your eyes , how that I have but little labour , and have gotten unto me much rest . Get learning with a great sum of money , and get much gold by her . Let your soul rejoice in his mercy , and be not ashamed of his praise . Work your work betimes , and in his time he will give you your reward . .