CHAPTERS 25-31
PROVERBS#25
1 ¶ These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of
Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
2 ¶ It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the
honour of kings is to search out a matter.
3 The heaven for
height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is
unsearchable.
4 ¶ Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall
come forth a vessel for the finer.
5 Take away the
wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in
righteousness.
6 ¶ Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king,
and stand not in the place of great men:
7 For better it
is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put
lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
8 ¶ Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath
put thee to shame.
9 Debate thy
cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:
10 Lest he that
heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
11 ¶ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
12 As an earring
of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient
ear.
13 ¶ As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a
faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his
masters.
14 ¶ Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift
is like clouds and wind without rain.
15 ¶ By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft
tongue breaketh the bone.
16 ¶ Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient
for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
17 ¶ Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he
be weary of thee, and so hate thee.
18 ¶ A man that beareth false witness against his
neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
19 ¶ Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble
is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
20 ¶ As he that taketh away a garment in cold
weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy
heart.
21 ¶ If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and
if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
22 For thou shalt
heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
23 ¶ The north wind driveth away rain: so
doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
24 ¶ It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop,
than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
25 ¶ As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news
from a far country.
26 ¶ A righteous man falling down before the
wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
27 ¶ It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to
search their own glory is not glory.
28 ¶ He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a
city that is broken down, and without walls.
1 ¶ As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour
is not seemly for a fool.
2 ¶ As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying,
so the curse causeless shall not come.
3 ¶ A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.
4 ¶ Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou
also be like unto him.
5 Answer a fool
according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
6 ¶ He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool
cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
7 The legs of the
lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
8 As he that
bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
9 As a thorn
goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
10 ¶ The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the
fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
11 ¶ As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth
to his folly.
12 ¶ Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is
more hope of a fool than of him.
13 ¶ The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way;
a lion is in the streets.
14 ¶ As the door turneth upon his hinges, so
doth the slothful upon his bed.
15 ¶ The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it
grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
16 ¶ The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven
men that can render a reason.
17 ¶ He that passeth by, and meddleth with
strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
18 ¶ As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and
death,
19 So is the man
that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
20 ¶ Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where
there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
21 As coals are
to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22 The words of a
talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the
belly.
23 ¶ Burning lips and a wicked heart are like
a potsherd covered with silver dross.
24 ¶ He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth
up deceit within him;
25 When he
speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26 Whose hatred
is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole
congregation.
27 ¶ Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that
rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
28 ¶ A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by
it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
1 ¶ Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what
a day may bring forth.
2 ¶ Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth;
a stranger, and not thine own lips.
3 ¶ A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty;
but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.
4 Wrath is cruel,
and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
5 ¶ Open rebuke is better than secret love.
6 Faithful are
the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
7 ¶ The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but
to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
8 ¶ As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man
that wandereth from his place.
9 ¶ Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the
sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
10 Thine own
friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's
house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a
brother far off.
11 ¶ My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may
answer him that reproacheth me.
12 ¶ A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth
himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
13 ¶ Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and
take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
14 ¶ He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse
to him.
15 ¶ A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a
contentious woman are alike.
16 Whosoever
hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth
itself.
17 ¶ Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth
the countenance of his friend.
18 ¶ Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit
thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
19 ¶ As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of
man to man.
20 ¶ Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of
man are never satisfied.
21 ¶ As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
22 ¶ Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among
wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
23 ¶ Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks,
and look well to thy herds.
24 For riches are
not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
25 The hay
appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of
the mountains are gathered.
26 The lambs are
for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.
27 And thou shalt
have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for
the maintenance for thy maidens.
1 ¶ The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the
righteous are bold as a lion.
2 ¶ For the transgression of a land many are the princes
thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be
prolonged.
3 ¶ A poor man that oppresseth the poor is
like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
4 ¶ They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such
as keep the law contend with them.
5 ¶ Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek
the LORD understand all things.
6 ¶ Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness,
than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7 ¶ Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a
companion of riotous men shameth his father.
8 ¶ He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth
his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
9 ¶ He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law,
even his prayer shall be abomination.
10 ¶ Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil
way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.
11 ¶ The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the
poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
12 ¶ When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory:
but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
13 ¶ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
14 ¶ Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that
hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
15 ¶ As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a
wicked ruler over the poor people.
16 ¶ The prince that wanteth understanding
is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his
days.
17 ¶ A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person
shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
18 ¶ Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that
is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
19 ¶ He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread:
but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
20 ¶ A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he
that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
21 ¶ To have respect of persons is not good:
for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
22 ¶ He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and
considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
23 ¶ He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more
favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
24 ¶ Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith,
It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
25 ¶ He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but
he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
26 ¶ He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
27 ¶ He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he
that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
28 ¶ When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when
they perish, the righteous increase.
1 ¶ He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck,
shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2 ¶ When the righteous are in authority, the
people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
3 ¶ Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that
keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.
4 ¶ The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he
that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
5 ¶ A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net
for his feet.
6 ¶ In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare:
but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.
7 ¶ The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but
the wicked regardeth not to know it.
8 ¶ Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men
turn away wrath.
9 ¶ If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether
he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
10 ¶ The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek
his soul.
11 ¶ A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
12 ¶ If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are
wicked.
13 ¶ The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the
LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
14 ¶ The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne
shall be established for ever.
15 ¶ The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to
himself bringeth his mother to shame.
16 ¶ When the wicked are multiplied, transgression
increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.
17 ¶ Correct thy son, and he shall give thee
rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
18 ¶ Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he
that keepeth the law, happy is he.
19 ¶ A servant will not be corrected by words: for though
he understand he will not answer.
20 ¶ Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there
is more hope of a fool than of him.
21 ¶ He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a
child shall have him become his son at the length.
22 ¶ An angry man stirreth up strife, and a
furious man aboundeth in transgression.
23 ¶ A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall
uphold the humble in spirit.
24 ¶ Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul:
he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.
25 ¶ The fear of man bringeth a snare: but
whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
26 ¶ Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's
judgment cometh from the LORD.
27 ¶ An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he
that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
1 ¶ The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the
prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
2 Surely I am
more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.
3 I neither
learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.
4 Who hath
ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists?
who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of
the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?
5 Every word of
God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in
him.
6 Add thou not
unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
7 ¶ Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not
before I die:
8 Remove far from
me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food
convenient for me:
9 Lest I be full,
and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor,
and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
10 ¶ Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse
thee, and thou be found guilty.
11 There is a
generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
12 There is a
generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not
washed from their filthiness.
13 There is a
generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
14 There is a
generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour
the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
15 ¶ The horseleach hath two daughters, crying,
Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things
say not, It is enough:
16 The grave; and
the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that
saith not, It is enough.
17 The eye that
mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the
valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
18 ¶ There be three things which are too wonderful for
me, yea, four which I know not:
19 The way of an
eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the
midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.
20 Such is the
way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth,
and saith, I have done no wickedness.
21 For three
things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:
22 For a servant
when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;
23 For an odious
woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
24 ¶ There be four things which are little upon the
earth, but they are exceeding wise:
25 The ants are a
people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
26 The conies are
but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;
27 The locusts
have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;
28 The spider
taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.
29 ¶ There be three things which go well, yea, four are
comely in going:
30 A lion which
is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
31 A greyhound;
an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.
32 If thou hast
done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought
evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
33 Surely the
churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth
forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
1 ¶ The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy
that his mother taught him.
2 What, my son?
and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
3 Give not thy
strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
4 It is not for kings,
O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
5 Lest they
drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of
the afflicted.
6 Give strong
drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy
hearts.
7 Let him drink,
and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
8 Open thy mouth
for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to
destruction.
9 Open thy mouth,
judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
10 ¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far
above rubies.
11 The heart of
her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do
him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh
wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like
the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth
also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to
her maidens.
16 She
considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a
vineyard.
17 She girdeth
her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth
that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her
hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth
out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not
afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with
scarlet.
22 She maketh
herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and
purple.
23 Her husband is
known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh
fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and
honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth
her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh
well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread
of idleness.
28 Her children
arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters
have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is
deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the
LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of
the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.