Most Popular Bible Verses in Proverbs

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10

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

11

To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

14

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

24

The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

25

To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

26

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

27

Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

31

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

32

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

36

Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

40

If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

44

Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

48

Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:

53

My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

54

Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

57

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

58

We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:

60

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

61

My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:

64

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

66

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

67

Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.

68

And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.

69

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

70

Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

71

For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

73

Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.

75

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

77

Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

78

A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

79

She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,

80

So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

82

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.

84

Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

86

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

88

A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

89

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

93

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

94

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

96

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

97

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

98

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

99

Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

100

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

101

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

102

Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.

103

Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

106

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

108

For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

109

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

111

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

112

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

114

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

115

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

117

He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

118

When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

121

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.

123

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

124

Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

126

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

128

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

130

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

131

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

134

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

135

They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

136

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

139

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

140

By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

141

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

143

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

144

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

148

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

149

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

151

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.

152

She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

154

For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

155

Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

156

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

159

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

160

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

161

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

162

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

163

Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;

164

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

165

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

167

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

170

Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.

172

My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

173

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

176

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

178

He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

179

For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

185

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

186

Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

187

Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

188

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

189

To call passengers who go right on their ways:

190

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

191

A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

192

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

193

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

195

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

196

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

197

She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

201

When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

204

He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

205

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

206

Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:

208

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

209

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

210

Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

216

To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;

218

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

220

A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.

222

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

223

Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

224

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

225

By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

226

Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

228

Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

230

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

231

My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

233

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

235

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

236

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

238

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

239

To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;

244

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

245

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

247

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

248

And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,

250

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

252

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

253

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

254

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

255

He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

256

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

257

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

258

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

259

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

260

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

261

For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.

264

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

265

So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

266

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

267

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

272

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

273

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

274

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

275

My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:

276

Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.

278

When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

279

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

281

Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

284

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

285

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

288

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

290

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

292

Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;

293

Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.

294

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

298

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

300

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

302

If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

303

So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

304

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

305

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

306

But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

309

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

310

Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

311

My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.

313

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

316

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

317

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

320

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

321

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

322

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

323

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

324

Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

325

None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

328

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

329

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

331

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

332

For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.

333

Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

334

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

335

Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

336

And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!

338

For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:

339

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

340

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

341

He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

342

I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

343

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

345

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

347

His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

348

For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.

349

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

350

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

351

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

352

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

354

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

355

An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

356

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

357

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

358

For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

359

Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

360

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

361

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

362

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

365

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

366

For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.

367

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

368

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

369

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

370

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.

371

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

372

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

373

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

374

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

375

Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

376

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

378

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

379

He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

380

Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.

381

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

382

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

383

But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.

384

Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.

385

Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

386

The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

388

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

390

And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?

392

He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.

393

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

394

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

395

That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.

396

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

397

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

398

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

399

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

400

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

401

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

403

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

404

Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

405

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

406

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

407

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

408

The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.

409

For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

412

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

413

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

416

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

418

When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:

419

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

421

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

422

It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry.

428

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

430

Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

431

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

432

Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

433

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

435

He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

437

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

439

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

442

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

444

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

448

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

451

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

452

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

453

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

454

Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

455

If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

458

She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.

466

A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

469

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

476

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?

481

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

486

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

490

Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:

494

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

496

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

497

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

500

To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

504

Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

507

A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

508

Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

513

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

514

The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

522

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

532

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

537

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

541

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

542

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

544

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

548

He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

552

Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

554

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

555

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

558

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

565

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

566

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

571

Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

572

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

573

Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

577

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

579

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

587

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

589

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

590

So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

601

Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

602

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

606

Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

609

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

611

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

612

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

613

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

617

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

618

Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

619

What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

620

As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

621

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

622

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

624

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

625

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

631

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

636

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

637

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

639

A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

641

Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.

642

Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

643

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

647

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

649

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

650

Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:

653

Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

657

The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

658

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

659

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

660

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

662

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

663

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

664

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

665

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

669

And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.

671

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

672

He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

673

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

676

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

677

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

678

For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

679

Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

680

Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

683

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

684

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

688

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

690

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

693

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

694

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

695

The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

697

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.

698

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

701

He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

705

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

707

He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

709

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

711

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

712

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

714

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

716

If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

717

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

719

A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.

720

He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

721

A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

723

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

724

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

725

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

727

As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,

728

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

730

My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

731

Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

733

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

734

A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.

739

Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

740

Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.

741

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

743

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

745

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

746

He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.

750

He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

751

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

753

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

754

He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

755

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

756

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

758

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

759

The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

761

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

762

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

764

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

765

He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

766

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.

767

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

768

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

770

She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

771

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

772

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

773

A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.

774

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

775

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

777

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

778

A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

780

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

781

A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

782

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.

783

Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

784

A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

785

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

786

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

787

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

788

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

790

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.

791

Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;

792

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

793

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

795

My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

797

The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

798

Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.

799

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

802

For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

803

Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

804

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

806

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

808

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

810

Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

811

The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

812

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

814

The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

815

There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

816

Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

817

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

818

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

819

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.

820

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

821

Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

822

Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

823

He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

824

So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

825

A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

826

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

827

That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

828

When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

829

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

830

A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

831

He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

832

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

833

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

834

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

835

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

836

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

837

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

838

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

839

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

840

The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

841

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.

843

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

845

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

846

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

847

In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

849

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

850

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

851

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

852

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.

853

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

854

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

855

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

856

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

857

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

858

The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

860

The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

861

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

862

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

863

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.

865

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.

866

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

868

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

869

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

870

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

872

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

873

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

874

The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

875

He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.

876

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

877

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

878

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

879

Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

880

The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.

881

That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

882

The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.

883

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

886

As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.

887

The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.

888

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

889

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

890

For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

891

Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

892

Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.

893

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

894

As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

895

Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.

896

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

897

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

898

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

899

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

900

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

901

For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

902

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

903

The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.

904

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

906

And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

907

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

908

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

910

For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;

911

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

912

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

913

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.

914

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

915

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