1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

² The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

³ The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

⁴ A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

⁵ A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

⁶ In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

⁷ The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

⁸ The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

⁹ The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

¹⁰ Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

¹¹ Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?

¹² A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

¹³ A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

¹⁴ The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

¹⁵ All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

¹⁶ Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.

¹⁷ Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

¹⁸ A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

¹⁹ The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.

²⁰ A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

²¹ Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

²² Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

²³ A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

²⁴ The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

²⁵ The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

²⁶ The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to theLord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

²⁷ He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

²⁸ The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

²⁹ The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

³⁰ The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.

³¹ The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

³² He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

³³ The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

² He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.

³ In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

⁴ Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

⁵ A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

⁶ A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.

⁷ Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

⁸ The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.

⁹ Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

¹⁰ The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.

¹¹ The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.

¹² There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

¹³ Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.

¹⁴ The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

¹⁵ The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

¹⁶ A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

¹⁷ He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

¹⁸ The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

¹⁹ The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

²⁰ The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.

²¹ He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

²² Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

²³ In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

²⁴ The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.

²⁵ A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

²⁶ In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

²⁷ The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

²⁸ In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.

²⁹ He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

³⁰ A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

³¹ He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

³² The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

³³ Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

³⁴ Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

³⁵ The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

² A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.

³ He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

⁴ The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

⁵ A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

⁶ Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

⁷ There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

⁸ The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

⁹ The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

¹⁰ Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

¹¹ Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

¹² Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

¹³ Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

¹⁴ The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

¹⁵ Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

¹⁶ Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

¹⁷ A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

¹⁸ Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

¹⁹ The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.

²⁰ He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

²¹ Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

²² A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

²³ Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.

²⁴ He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

²⁵ The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

² A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

³ A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

⁴ A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

⁵ The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

⁶ The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.

⁷ The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

⁸ A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

⁹ He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.

¹⁰ A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

¹¹ He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

¹² The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

¹³ The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

¹⁴ A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.

¹⁵ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

¹⁶ A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

¹⁷ He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

¹⁸ There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

¹⁹ The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

²⁰ Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

²¹ There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

²² Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

²³ A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

²⁴ The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

²⁵ Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

²⁶ The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

²⁷ The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.

²⁸ In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

² When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

³ The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

⁴ Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

⁵ The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

⁶ The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.

⁷ When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.

⁸ The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

⁹ An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

¹⁰ When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

¹¹ By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

¹² He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

¹³ A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

¹⁴ Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

¹⁵ He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

¹⁶ A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.

¹⁷ The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

¹⁸ The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

¹⁹ As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.

²⁰ They that are of a froward heart are abomination to theLord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

²¹ Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

²² As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

²³ The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

²⁴ There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

²⁵ The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

²⁶ He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

²⁷ He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.

²⁸ He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

²⁹ He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

³⁰ The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

³¹ Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

² Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

³ The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

⁴ He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

⁵ He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

⁶ Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

⁷ The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

⁸ The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

⁹ He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

¹⁰ He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

¹¹ The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

¹² Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

¹³ In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

¹⁴ Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

¹⁵ The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

¹⁶ The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

¹⁷ He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.

¹⁸ He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

¹⁹ In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

²⁰ The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

²¹ The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

²² The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

²³ It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

²⁴ The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

²⁵ As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.

²⁶ As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.

²⁷ The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

²⁸ The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

²⁹ The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

³⁰ The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

³¹ The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

³² The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

² She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.

³ She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,

⁴ Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

⁵ Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

⁶ Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

⁷ He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

⁸ Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

⁹ Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

¹⁰ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

¹¹ For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

¹² If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

¹³ A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

¹⁴ For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

¹⁵ To call passengers who go right on their ways:

¹⁶ Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

¹⁷ Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

¹⁸ But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.

² She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

³ She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

⁴ Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

⁵ O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

⁶ Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

⁷ For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

⁸ All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

⁹ They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

¹⁰ Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

¹¹ For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

¹² I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

¹³ The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

¹⁴ Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

¹⁵ By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

¹⁶ By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

¹⁷ I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

²⁰ I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

²² The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

²³ I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.

²⁴ When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.

²⁵ Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

²⁶ While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.

²⁷ When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

²⁸ When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

²⁹ When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

³⁰ Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

³¹ Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

³² Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.

³³ Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

³⁴ Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

³⁵ For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord.

³⁶ But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

² Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.

³ Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

⁴ Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:

⁵ That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

⁶ For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,

⁷ And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,

⁸ Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,

⁹ In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:

¹⁰ And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

¹¹ (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

¹² Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

¹³ So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,

¹⁴ I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.

¹⁵ Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.

¹⁶ I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.

¹⁷ I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

¹⁸ Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.

¹⁹ For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:

²⁰ He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.

²¹ With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

²² He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

²³ Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.

²⁴ Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.

²⁵ Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.

²⁶ For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.

²⁷ Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.

² Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

³ Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.

⁴ Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.

⁵ Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

⁶ Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

⁷ Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

⁸ Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

⁹ How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

¹⁰ Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

¹¹ So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

¹² A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.

¹³ He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;

¹⁴ Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.

¹⁵ Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.

¹⁶ These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

¹⁷ A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

¹⁸ An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

¹⁹ A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

²⁰ My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

²¹ Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

²² When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

²³ For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

²⁴ To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

²⁵ Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

²⁶ For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life.

²⁷ Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

²⁸ Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?

²⁹ So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.

³⁰ Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;

³¹ But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

³² But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

³³ A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

³⁴ For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

³⁵ He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.