[1]Wise women build houses: but a foolish one digs hers down with her hands.[2]He that walks uprightly fears the Lord; but he that is perverse in his ways shall be dishonoured.[3]Out of the mouth of fools comes a rod of pride; but the lips of the wise preserve them.[4]Where no oxen are, the cribs are clean; but where there is abundant produce, the strength of the ox is apparent.[5]A faithful witness does not lie; but an unjust witness kindles falsehoods.[6]Thou shalt seek wisdom with bad men, and shalt not find it; but discretion is easily available with the prudent.[7]All things are adverse to a foolish man; but wise lips are the weapons of discretion.[8]The wisdom of the prudent will understand their ways; but the folly of fools leads astray.[9]The houses of transgressors will need purification; but the houses of the just are acceptable.[10]If a man's mind is intelligent, his soul is sorrowful; and when he rejoices, he has no fellowship with pride.[11]The houses of ungodly men shall be utterly destroyed; but the tabernacles of them that walk uprightly shall stand.[12]There is a way which seems to be right with men, but the ends of it reach to the depths of hell.[13]Grief mingles not with mirth; and joy in the end comes to grief.[14]A stout-hearted man shall be filled with his own ways; and a good man with his own thoughts.[15]The simple believes every word: but the prudent man betakes himself to after-thought.[16]A wise man fears, and departs from evil; but the fool trusts in himself, and joins himself with the transgressor.[17]A passionate man acts inconsiderately; but a sensible man bears up under many things.[18]Fools shall have mischief for their portion; but the prudent shall take fast hold of understanding.[19]Evil men shall fall before the good; and the ungodly shall attend at the gates of the righteous.[20]Friends will hate poor friends; but the friends of the rich are many.[21]He that dishonours the needy sins: but he that has pity on the poor is most blessed.[22]They that go astray devise evils: but the good devise mercy and truth. The framers of evil do not understand mercy and truth: but compassion and faithfulness are with the framers of good.[23]With every one who is careful there is abundance: but the pleasure-taking and indolent shall be in want.[24]A prudent man is the crown of the wise: but the occupation of fools is evil.[25]A faithful witness shall deliver a soul from evil: but a deceitful man kindles falsehoods.[26]In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and he leaves his children a support.[27]The commandment of the Lord is a fountain of life; and it causes men to turn aside from the snare of death.[28]In a populous nation is the glory of a king: but in the failure of people is the ruin of a prince.[29]A man slow to wrath abounds in wisdom: but a man of impatient spirit is very foolish.[30]A meek-spirited man is a healer of the heart: but a sensitive heart is a corruption of the bones.[31]He that oppresses the needy provokes his Maker: but he that honours him has pity upon the poor.[32]The ungodly shall be driven away in his wickedness: but he who is secure in his own holiness is just.[33]There is wisdom in the good heart of a man: but in the heart of fools it is not discerned.[34]Righteousness exalts a nation: but sins diminish tribes.[35]An understanding servant is acceptable to a king; and by his good behaviour he removes disgrace.
Credit
Author: Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton (1851)
Source: ecmarsh.com