[1][No verse][2][No verse][3]The folly of a man spoils his ways: and he blames God in his heart.[4]Wealth acquires many friends; but the poor is deserted even of the friend he has.[5]A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that accuses unjustly shall not escape.[6]Many court the favour of kings; but every bad man becomes a reproach to another man.[7]Every one who hates his poor brother shall also be far from friendship. Good understanding will draw near to them that know it, and a sensible man will find it. He that does much harm perfects mischief; and he that used provoking words shall not escape.[8]He that procures wisdom loves himself; and he that keeps wisdom shall find good.[9]A false witness shall not be unpunished; and whosoever shall kindle mischief shall perish by it.[10]Delight does not suit a fool, nor is it seemly if a servant should begin to rule with haughtiness.[11]A merciful man is long-suffering; and his triumph overtakes transgressors.[12]The threatening of a king is like the roaring of a lion; but as dew on the grass, so is his favour.[13]A foolish son is a disgrace to his father: vows paid out of the hire of a harlot are not pure.[14]Fathers divide house and substance to their children: but a wife is suited to a man by the Lord.[15]Cowardice possesses the effeminate man; and the soul of the sluggard shall hunger.[16]He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul; but he that despises his ways shall perish.[17]He that has pity on the poor lends to the Lord; and he will recompense to him according to his gift.[18]Chasten thy son, for so he shall be hopeful; and be not exalted in thy soul to haughtiness.[19]A malicious man shall be severely punished, and if he commit injury, he shall also lose his life.[20]Hear, son, the instruction of thy father, that thou mayest be wise at thy latter end.[21]There are many thoughts in a man's heart; but the counsel of the Lord abides for ever.[22]Mercy is a fruit to a man: and a poor man is better than a rich liar.[23]The fear of the Lord is life to a man: and he shall lodge without fear in places where knowledge is not seen.[24]He that unjustly hides his hands in his bosom, will not even bring them up to his mouth.[25]When a pestilent character is scourged, a simple man is made wiser: and if thou reprove a wise man, he will understand discretion.[26]He that dishonours his father, and drives away his mother, shall be disgraced and shall be exposed to reproach.[27]A son who ceases to attend to the instruction of a father will cherish evil designs.[28]He that becomes surety for a foolish child will despise the ordinance: and the mouth of ungodly men shall drink down judgment.[29]Scourges are preparing for the intemperate, and punishments likewise for fools.
Credit
Author: Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton (1851)
Source: ecmarsh.com