Proverbs 16 to 31

16:12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaks right.

16:14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

16:15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.

16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keeps his way preserves his soul.

16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

16:19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

16:20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusts in the LORD, happy is he.

16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

16:22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that has it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

16:23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.

16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

16:25 There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

16:26 He that laboreth laboreth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.

16:27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

16:28 A froward man sows strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

16:29 A violent man enticeth his neighbor, and leads him into the way that is not good.

16:30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he brings evil to pass.

16:31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he that takes a city.

16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.

Proverbs Chapter 17

17:1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

17:2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causes shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.

17:3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

17:4 A wicked doer gives heed to false lips; and a liar gives ear to a naughty tongue.

17:5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

17:7 Excellent speech becomes not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

17:8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that has it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospers.

17:9 He that covers a transgression seeks love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

17:10 A reproof enters more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

17:11 An evil man seeks only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

17:12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

17:13 Whoso rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

17:14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

17:15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.

17:16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?

17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

17:18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becomes surety in the presence of his friend.

17:19 He loves transgression that loves strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeks destruction.

17:20 He that has a froward heart finds no good: and he that has a perverse tongue falls into mischief.

17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool has no joy.

17:22 A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

17:23 A wicked man takes a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

17:24 Wisdom is before him that has understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

17:25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

17:26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

17:27 He that has knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

17:28 Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Proverbs Chapter 18

18:1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeks and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

18:3 When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

18:4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

18:5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

18:6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes.

18:7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

18:9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

18:11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility.

18:13 He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame unto him.

18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

18:15 The heart of the prudent gets knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

18:16 A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.

18:17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbor comes and searcheth him.

18:18 The lot causes contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

18:20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

18:22 Whoso finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the LORD.

18:23 The poor uses intreaties; but the rich answers roughly.

18:24 A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Proverbs Chapter 19

19:1 Better is the poor that walks in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

19:2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sins.

19:3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.

19:4 Wealth makes many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbor.

19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall not escape.

19:6 Many will intreat the favor of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that gives gifts.

19:7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.

19:8 He that gets wisdom loves his own soul: he that keeps understanding shall find good.

19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall perish.

19:10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

19:12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favor is as dew upon the grass.

19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

19:14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

19:15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

19:16 He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

19:17 He that has pity upon the poor lends unto the LORD; and that which he has given will he pay him again.

19:18 Chasten your son while there is hope, and let not your soul spare for his crying.

19:19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if you deliver him, yet you must do it again.

19:20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that you mayest be wise in your latter end.

19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

19:22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

19:23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that has it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

19:24 A slothful man hides his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that has understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

19:26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causes shame, and brings reproach.

19:27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causes to err from the words of knowledge.

19:28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.

19:29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

Proverbs Chapter 20

20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

20:2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sins against his own soul.

20:3 It is an honor for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.

20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

20:7 The just man walks in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

20:8 A king that sits in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

20:9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

20:10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.

20:11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD has made even both of them.

20:13 Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread.

20:14 It is naught, it is naught, says the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.

20:15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

20:16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

20:17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

20:18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

20:19 He that goes about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

20:20 Whoso curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

20:21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

20:22 Say not you, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save you.

20:23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.

20:24 Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?

20:25 It is a snare to the man who devours that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.

20:26 A wise king scattereth the wicked, and brings the wheel over them.

20:27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

20:28 Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.

20:29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.

20:30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.

Proverbs Chapter 21

21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

21:3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

21:5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

21:6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

21:7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

21:8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

21:10 The soul of the wicked desires evil: his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

21:12 The righteous man wisely considers the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

21:14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

21:15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

21:16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

21:17 He that loves pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loves wine and oil shall not be rich.

21:18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

21:21 He that follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.

21:22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casts down the strength of the confidence thereof.

21:23 Whoso keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

21:24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labor.

21:26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous gives and spareth not.

21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind?

21:28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that hears speaks constantly.

21:29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

Proverbs Chapter 22

22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.

22:2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

22:3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hides himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honor, and life.

22:5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that does keep his soul shall be far from them.

22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

22:7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

22:8 He that sows iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

22:9 He that has a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he gives of his bread to the poor.

22:10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yes, strife and reproach shall cease.

22:11 He that loves pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

22:12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

22:13 The slothful man says, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

22:14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

22:16 He that oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he that gives to the rich, shall surely come to want.

22:17 Bow down your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart unto my knowledge.

22:18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; they shall withal be fitted in your lips.

22:19 That your trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to you this day, even to you.

22:20 Have not I written to you excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

22:21 That I might make you know the certainty of the words of truth; that you mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto you?

22:22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

22:23 For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

22:24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man you shall not go:

22:25 Lest you learn his ways, and get a snare to your soul.

22:26 Be not you one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

22:27 If you have nothing to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?

22:28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which your fathers have set.

22:29 Seest you a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Proverbs Chapter 23

23:1 When you sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you:

23:2 And put a knife to your throat, if you be a man given to appetite.

23:3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.

23:4 labor not to be rich: cease from your own wisdom.

23:5 Will you set your eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

23:6 Eat you not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire you his dainty meats:

23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, says he to you; but his heart is not with you.

23:8 The morsel which you have eaten shall you vomit up, and lose your sweet words.

23:9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of your words.

23:10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

23:11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with you.

23:12 Apply your heart unto instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge.

23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if you beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

23:14 You shall beat him with the rod, and shall deliver his soul from hell.

23:15 My son, if your heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

23:16 Yes, my reins shall rejoice, when your lips speak right things.

23:17 Let not your heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

23:18 For surely there is an end; and your expectation shall not be cut off.

23:19 Hear you, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart in the way.

23:20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

23:21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

23:22 Hearken unto your father that begat you, and despise not your mother when she is old.

23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

23:24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

23:25 Your father and your mother shall be glad, and she that bare you shall rejoice.

23:26 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.

23:27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.

23:28 She also lies in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

23:29 Who has woe? who has sorrow? who has contentions? who has babbling? who has wounds without cause? who has redness of eyes?

23:30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

23:31 Look not you upon the wine when it is red, when it gives his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

23:32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

23:33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and your heart shall utter perverse things.

23:34 Yes, you shall be as he that lies down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lies upon the top of a mast.

23:35 They have stricken me, shalt you say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

Proverbs Chapter 24

24:1 Be not you envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

24:2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

24:3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

24:4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

24:5 A wise man is strong; yes, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

24:6 For by wise counsel you shall make your war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

24:7 Wisdom is too high for a fool: he opens not his mouth in the gate.

24:8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.

24:9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

24:10 If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.

24:11 If you forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;

24:12 If you sayest, Behold, we knew it not; does not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keeps your soul, does not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

24:13 My son, eat you honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to your taste:

24:14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto your soul: when you have found it, then there shall be a reward, and your expectation shall not be cut off.

24:15 Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:

24:16 For a just man falls seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

24:17 Rejoice not when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbleth:

24:18 Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

24:19 Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be you envious at the wicked;

24:20 For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

24:21 My son, fear you the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

24:22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knows the ruin of them both?

24:23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

24:24 He that says unto the wicked, You art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

24:25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

24:26 Every man shall kiss his lips that gives a right answer.

24:27 Prepare your work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build your house.

24:28 Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause; and deceive not with your lips.

24:29 Say not, I will do so to him as he has done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

24:30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

24:31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

24:32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.

24:33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

24:34 So shall your poverty come as one that travelleth; and your want as an armed man.

Proverbs Chapter 25

25:1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.

25:3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

25:4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

25:5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

25:6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

25:7 For better it is that it be said unto you, Come up here; than that you shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom your eyes have seen.

25:8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest you know not what to do in the end thereof, when your neighbor has put you to shame.

25:9 Debate your cause with your neighbor himself; and discover not a secret to another:

25:10 Lest he that hears it put you to shame, and your infamy turn not away.

25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

25:12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

25:13 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.

25:14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

25:15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bone.

25:16 Have you found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for you, lest you be filled therewith, and vomit it.

25:17 Withdraw your foot from your neighbor's house; lest he be weary of you, and so hate you.

25:18 A man that bears false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

25:20 As he that takes away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

25:21 If your enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

25:22 For you shall heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward you.

25:23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

25:24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

25:25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

25:26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

25:27 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.

25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Proverbs Chapter 26

26:1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not seemly for a fool.

26:2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

26:3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like unto him.

26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

26:6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinks damage.

26:7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

26:8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that gives honor to a fool.

26:9 As a thorn goes up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

26:10 The great God that formed all things both rewards the fool, and rewards transgressors.

26:11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

26:12 Seest you a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

26:13 The slothful man says, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

26:14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.

26:15 The slothful hides his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

26:16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

26:17 He that passes by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that takes a dog by the ears.

26:18 As a mad man who casts firebrands, arrows, and death,

26:19 So is the man that deceives his neighbor, and says, Am not I in sport?

26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goes out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

26:21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

26:22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

26:23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

26:24 He that hates dissembleth with his lips, and lays up deceit within him;

26:25 When he speaks fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

26:26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be showed before the whole congregation.

26:27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

26:28 A lying tongue hates those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Proverbs Chapter 27

27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for you knows not what a day may bring forth.

27:2 Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

27:3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.

27:4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

27:5 Open rebuke is better than secret love.

27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

27:7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

27:8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

27:10 Thine own friend, and your father's friend, forsake not; neither go into your brother's house in the day of your calamity: for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.

27:11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

27:12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

27:13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

27:14 He that blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.

27:15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

27:16 Whosoever hides her hides the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.

27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

27:18 Whoso keeps the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waits on his master shall be honored.

27:19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.

27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

27:21 As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.

27:22 Though you shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

27:23 Be you diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds.

27:24 For riches are not for ever: and does the crown endure to every generation?

27:25 The hay appears, and the tender grass shows itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.

27:26 The lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.

27:27 And you shall have goats' milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and for the maintenance for your maidens.

Proverbs Chapter 28

28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

28:2 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.

28:3 A poor man that oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food.

28:4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

28:6 Better is the poor that walks in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

28:7 Whoso keeps the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

28:8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

28:10 Whoso causes 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.

28:11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that has understanding searcheth him out.

28:12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

28:13 He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsakes them shall have mercy.

28:14 Happy is the man that fears alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

28:15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

28:16 The prince that wants understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days.

28:17 A man that does violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

28:18 Whoso walks uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

28:19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that follows after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

28:21 To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

28:22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considers not that poverty shall come upon him.

28:23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favor than he that flattereth with the tongue.

28:24 Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and says, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.

28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that puts his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

28:26 He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walks wisely, he shall be delivered.

28:27 He that gives unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hides his eyes shall have many a curse.

28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Proverbs Chapter 29

29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked bears rule, the people mourn.

29:3 Whoso loves wisdom rejoices his father: but he that keeps company with harlots spendeth his substance.

29:4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receives gifts overthroweth it.

29:5 A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his feet.

29:6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous does sing and rejoice.

29:7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

29:8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

29:9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

29:10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

29:11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards.

29:12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

29:13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.

29:14 The king that faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame.

29:16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

29:17 Correct your son, and he shall give you rest; yes, he shall give delight unto your soul.

29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he.

29:19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

29:20 Seest you a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

29:21 He that delicately brings up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

29:22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.

29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.

29:24 Whoso is partner with a thief hates his own soul: he hears cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

29:25 The fear of man brings a snare: but whoso puts his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

29:26 Many seek the ruler's favor; but every man's judgment comes from the LORD.

29:27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.

Proverbs Chapter 30

30:1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spoke unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,

30:2 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.

30:3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.

30:4 Who has ascended up into heaven, or descended? who has gathered the wind in his fists? who has bound the waters in a garment? who has established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if you can tell?

30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

30:6 Add you not unto his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.

30:7 Two things have I required of you; deny me them not before I die:

30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

30:9 Lest I be full, and deny you, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

30:10 Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse you, and you be found guilty.

30:11 There is a generation that curses their father, and does not bless their mother.

30:12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

30:13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.

30:14 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.

30:15 The horseleach has two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:

30:16 The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that says not, It is enough.

30:17 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.

30:18 There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yes, four which I know not:

30:19 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.

30:20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eats, and wipeth her mouth, and says, I have done no wickedness.

30:21 For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:

30:22 For a servant when he reigns; and a fool when he is filled with meat;

30:23 For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.

30:24 There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:

30:25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

30:26 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

30:27 The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

30:28 The spider takes hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.

30:29 There be three things which go well, yes, four are comely in going:

30:30 A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

30:31 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.

30:32 If you have done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if you have thought evil, lay your hand upon your mouth.

30:33 Surely the churning of milk brings forth butter, and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood: so the forcing of wrath brings forth strife.

Proverbs Chapter 31

31:1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

31:2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

31:3 Give not your strength unto women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.

31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

31:5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

31:6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

31:8 Open your mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

31:11 The heart of her husband does safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

31:13 She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands.

31:14 She is like the merchants' ships; she brings her food from afar.

31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and gives meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

31:16 She considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goes not out by night.

31:19 She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.

31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

31:22 She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

31:24 She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers girdles unto the merchant.

31:25 Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness.

31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excellest them all.

31:30 favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.