[1]There is a reproof that is not comely: again, some man holdeth his tongue, and he is wise. [2]It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and he that confesseth his fault shall be preserved from hurt. [3]How good is it, when thou art reproved, to shew repentance! for so shalt thou escape wilful sin. [4]As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; so is he that executeth judgment with violence. [5]There is one that keepeth silence, and is found wise: and another by much babbling becometh hateful. [6]Some man holdeth his tongue, because he hath not to answer: and some keepeth silence, knowing his time. [7]A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but a babbler and a fool will regard no time. [8]He that useth many words shall be abhorred; and he that taketh to himself authority therein shall be hated. [9]There is a sinner that hath good success in evil things; and there is a gain that turneth to loss. [10]There is a gift that shall not profit thee; and there is a gift whose recompence is double. [11]There is an abasement because of glory; and there is that lifteth up his head from a low estate. [12]There is that buyeth much for a little, and repayeth it sevenfold. [13]A wise man by his words maketh him beloved: but the graces of fools shall be poured out. [14]The gift of a fool shall do thee no good when thou hast it; neither yet of the envious for his necessity: for he looketh to receive many things for one. [15]He giveth little, and upbraideth much; he openeth his mouth like a crier; to day he lendeth, and to morrow will he ask it again: such an one is to be hated of God and man. [16]The fool saith, I have no friends, I have no thank for all my good deeds, and they that eat my bread speak evil of me. [17]How oft, and of how many shall he be laughed to scorn! for he knoweth not aright what it is to have; and it is all one unto him as if he had it not. [18]To slip upon a pavement is better than to slip with the tongue: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily. [19]An unseasonable tale will always be in the mouth of the unwise. [20]A wise sentence shall be rejected when it cometh out of a fool's mouth; for he will not speak it in due season. [21]There is that is hindered from sinning through want: and when he taketh rest, he shall not be troubled. [22]There is that destroyeth his own soul through bashfulness, and by accepting of persons overthroweth himself. [23]There is that for bashfulness promiseth to his friend, and maketh him his enemy for nothing. [24]A lie is a foul blot in a man, yet it is continually in the mouth of the untaught. [25]A thief is better than a man that is accustomed to lie: but they both shall have destruction to heritage. [26]The disposition of a liar is dishonourable, and his shame is ever with him. [27]A wise man shall promote himself to honour with his words: and he that hath understanding will please great men. [28]He that tilleth his land shall increase his heap: and he that pleaseth great men shall get pardon for iniquity. [29]Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and stop up his mouth that he cannot reprove. [30]Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is hoarded up, what profit is in them both? [31]Better is he that hideth his folly than a man that hideth his wisdom. [32]Necessary patience in seeking the Lord is better than he that leadeth his life without a guide.
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Author: Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton (1851)
Source: ecmarsh.com
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