Revised Version 1885 (RV1885)

1 A FALSE balance is an abomination to theLord: but a just weight is his delight.

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 the treacherous 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 they that deal treacherously shall be taken in their own mischief.

7 When a wicked man diethhisexpectation shall perish: and the hope of iniquity perisheth.

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

9 With his mouth the godless man destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the righteous 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 despiseth his neighbour is void of wisdom: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

13 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

14 Where no wise guidance is, the people falleth: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

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

16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and violent 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 earneth deceitful wages: but he that soweth righteousnesshatha sure reward.

19 He that is stedfast in righteousnessshall attainunto life: and he that pursueth evildoeth itto his own death.

20 They that are perverse in heart are an abomination to theLord: but such as are perfect intheirway are his delight.

21 Thoughhandjoinin hand, the evil man shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

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

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

24 There is that scattereth, and increaseth yet more; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, butit tendethonly to want.

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 seeketh favour: but he that searcheth after mischief, it shall come unto him.

28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.

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

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

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

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

2 A good man shall obtain favour of theLord: 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 never 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 just:butthe counsels of the wicked are deceit.

6 The words of the wicked are of lying 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 Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, 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 have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vainpersonsis void of understanding.

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

13 In the transgression of the lips is a snare to the evil man: but the righteous shall come out of trouble.

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

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

16 A fool’s vexation is presently known: but a prudent man concealeth shame.

17 He that uttereth truth sheweth forth righteousness, but a false witness deceit.

18 There is that speaketh rashly 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 devise evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

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

22 Lying lips are an abomination to theLord: 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 put under taskwork.

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

26 The righteous is a guide to his neighbour: but the way of the wicked causeth them to err.

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

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

1 A WISE sonhearethhis father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

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

3 He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life:buthe 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 guardeth 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 wealth.

8 The ransom of a man’s life is his riches: but the poor heareth no threatening.

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

10 By pride cometh only contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

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

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

13 Whoso despiseth the word bringeth destruction on himself: 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 the treacherous is rugged.

16 Every prudent man worketh with knowledge: but a fool spreadeth out folly.

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

18 Poverty and shameshall be tohim that refuseth correction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

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

20 Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise: but the companion of fools shall smart for it.

21 Evil pursueth sinners: but the righteous shall be recompensed with good.

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

23 Much foodis inthe tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed by reason of injustice.

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 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands.

2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth theLord: 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 uttereth lies.

6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, andfindeth itnot: but knowledge is easy unto him that hath understanding.

7 Go into the presence of a foolish man, and thou shalt not perceivein himthe lips of knowledge.

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

9 The foolish make a mock at guilt: but among the upright there is good will.

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

11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tent 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 mirth is heaviness.

14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good manshall be satisfiedfrom 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 beareth himself insolently, and is confident.

17 He that is soon angry will deal 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 pity on the poor, happy is he.

22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truthshall be tothem that devise good.

23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lipstendethonly to penury.

24 The crown of the wise is their riches:butthe folly of fools isonlyfolly.

25 A true witness delivereth souls: but he that uttereth liescausethdeceit.

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

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

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

29 He that is slow to anger 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 is the rottenness of the bones.

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

32 The wicked is thrust down in his evil-doing: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: butthat which isin the inward part 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 servant that dealeth wisely: but his wrath shall beagainsthim that causeth shame.

1 A SOFT answer turneth away wrath: but a grievous word stirreth up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out folly.

3 The eyes of theLordare in every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good.

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

5 A fool despiseth his father’s correction: but he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence.

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 foolishdoethnot so.

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

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

10 There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way:andhe that hateth reproof shall die.

11 Sheol and Abaddon are before theLord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men!

12 A scorner loveth not to be reproved: he will not go unto the wise.

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

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

15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a cheerful hearthatha continual feast.

16 Better is little with the fear of theLord, 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 contention: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19 The way of the sluggard is as an hedge of thorns: but the path of the upright is made an highway.

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

21 Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom: but a man of understanding maketh straight his going.

22 Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

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

24 To the wise the way of lifegoethupward, that he may depart from Sheol beneath.

25 TheLordwill root up the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.

26 Evil devices are an abomination to theLord: but pleasant wordsarepure.

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 TheLordis far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart:andgood tidings make the bones fat.

31 The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life shall abide among the wise.

32 He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul: but he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.

33 The fear of theLordis the instruction of wisdom; and before honourgoethhumility.

1 The preparations of the heart belong to man: but the answer of the tongue is from theLord.

2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes: but theLordweigheth the spirits.

3 Commit thy works unto theLord, and thy thoughts shall be established.

4 TheLordhath made every thing for its own end: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to theLord:thoughhandjoinin hand, he shall not be unpunished.

6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of theLordmen depart from evil.

7 When a man’s ways please theLord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.

9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but theLorddirecteth his steps.

10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth shall not transgress in judgment.

11 A just balance and scales are theLord’S: all the weights of the bag are his work.

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

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

14 The wrath of a king isasmessengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

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

16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.

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

18 Pridegoethbefore destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

19 Better it is to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

20 He that giveth heed unto the word shall find good: and whoso trusteth in theLord, happy is he.

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

22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the correction of fools istheirfolly.

23 The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

24 Pleasant words areasan honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

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

26 The appetite of the labouring man laboureth for him; for his mouth craveth it of him.

27 A worthless man deviseth mischief: and in his lips there is as a scorching fire.

28 A froward man scattereth abroad strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

29 A man of violence enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him in a way that is not good.

30 He that shutteth his eyes,it isto devise froward things: he that compresseth his lips bringeth evil to pass.

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

32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of theLord.

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

2 A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren.

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

4 An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips;anda liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.

5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker:andhe that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.

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

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

8 A gift isasa precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love: but he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends.

10 A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding than an hundred stripes into a fool.

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

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

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

14 The beginning of strife isaswhen one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before there be quarrelling.

15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to theLord.

16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, seeing he hath no understanding?

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

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

19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: he that raiseth high his gate seeketh destruction.

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

21 He that begetteth a fooldoeth itto his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

22 A merry heart is a good medicine: but a broken spirit drieth up the bones.

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

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

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

26 Also to punish the righteous is not good,norto smite the noble fortheiruprightness.

27 He that spareth his words hath knowledge: and he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: when he shutteth his lips, he isesteemed asprudent.

1 He that separateth himself seekethhis owndesire, and rageth against all sound wisdom.

2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may reveal itself.

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

4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook.

5 To accept the person of the wicked is not good,norto turn aside the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for stripes.

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

8 The words of a whisperer are as dainty, morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

9 He also that is slack in his work is brother to him that is a destroyer.

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

11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own imagination.

12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honourgoethhumility.

13 He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and shame unto him.

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

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

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

17 He that pleadeth his cause firstseemethjust; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him out.

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

19 A brother offendedis harder to be wonthan a strong city: andsuchcontentions are like the bars of a castle.

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

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

22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of theLord.

23 The poor useth entreaties: but the rich answereth roughly.

24 He that maketh many friendsdoeth itto his own destruction: but there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity than he that perverse in his lips and is a fool.

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

3 The foolishness of man subverteth his way; and his heart fretteth against theLord.

4 Wealth addeth many friends: but the poor is separated from his friend.

5 A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he that uttereth lies shall not escape.

6 Many will entreat the favour of the liberal man: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him! he pursueththem withwords,butthey are gone.

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

9 A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he that uttereth lies shall perish.

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

11 The discretion of a man maketh him slow to anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

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

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

14 House and riches are an inheritance from fathers: but a prudent wife is from theLord.

15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and the idle soul shall suffer hunger.

16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul:buthe that is careless of his ways shall die.

17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto theLord, and his good deed will he pay him again.

18 Chasten thy son, seeing there is hope; and set not thy heart on his destruction.

19 A man of great wrath shall bear the penalty: for if thou deliverhim, thou must do it yet again.

20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; but the counsel of theLord, that shall stand.

22 The desire of a man isthe measure ofhis kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

23 The fear of theLordtendethto life: and hethat hath itshall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

24 The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again,

25 smite a scorner, and the simple will learn prudence: and reprove one that hath understanding,andhe will understand knowledge.

26 He that spoileth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame and bringeth reproach.

27 Cease, my son, to hear instructiononlyto err from the words of knowledge.

28 A worthless witness mocketh at judgment: and the mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity.

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

1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; and whosoever erreth thereby is not wise.

2 The terror of a king is as the roaring of a lion: he that provoketh him to anger sinnethagainsthis own life.

3 It is an honour for a man to keep aloof from strife: but every fool will be quarrelling.

4 The slothful will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

5 Counsel in the heart of man islikedeep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

6 Most men wilt proclaim every one his own kindness: but a faithful man who can find?

7 A just man that walketh in his integrity, blessed are his children after him.

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

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

10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them alike are an abomination to theLord.

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

12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, theLordhath made even both of them.

13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes,andthou shalt be satisfied with bread.

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

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

16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; and hold him in pledgethat is suretyfor strangers.

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

18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and by wise guidance make thou war,

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

20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in the blackest darkness.

21 An inheritancemay begotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil: wait on theLord, and he shall save thee.

23 Divers weights are an abomination to theLord; and a false balance is not good.

24 A man’s goings are of theLord; how then can man understand his way?

25 It is a snare to a man rashly to say,It isholy, and after vows to make inquiry.

26 A wise king winnoweth the wicked, and bringeth thethreshingwheel over them.

27 The spirit of man is the lamp of theLord, searching all the innermost parts of the belly.

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

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

30 Stripes that wound cleanse away evil: and strokesreachthe innermost parts of the belly.