[1]Better is a morsel with pleasure in peace, than a house full of many good things and unjust sacrifices, with strife.[2]A wise servant shall have rule over foolish masters, and shall divide portions among brethren.[3]As silver and gold are tried in a furnace, so are choice hearts with the Lord.[4]A bad man hearkens to the tongue of transgressors: but a righteous man attends not to false lips.[5]He that laughs at the poor provokes him that made him; and he that rejoices at the destruction of another shall not be held guiltless: but he that has compassion shall find mercy.[6]Children's children are the crown of old men; and their fathers are the glory of children. The faithful has the whole world full of wealth; but the faithless not even a farthing.[7]Faithful lips will not suit a fool; nor lying lips a just man.[8]Instruction is to them that use it a gracious reward; and whithersoever it may turn, it shall prosper.[9]He that conceals injuries seeks love; but he that hates to hide them separates friends and kindred.[10]A threat breaks down the heart of a wise man; but a fool, though scourged, understands not.[11]Every bad man stirs up strifes: but the Lord will send out against him an unmerciful messenger.[12]Care may befall a man of understanding; but fools will meditate evils.[13]Whoso rewards evil for good, evil shall not be removed from his house.[14]Rightful rule gives power to words; but sedition and strife precede poverty.[15]He that pronounces the unjust just, and the just unjust, is unclean and abominable with God.[16]Why has the fool wealth? for a senseless man will not be able to purchase wisdom. He that exalts his own house seeks ruin; and he that turns aside from instruction shall fall into mischief.[17]Have thou a friend for every time, and let brethren be useful in distress; for on this account are they born.[18]A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself, as he also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.[19]A lover of sin rejoices in strifes;[20]and the hard-hearted man comes not in for good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;[21]and the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; but a wise son gladdens his mother.[22]A glad heart promotes health; but the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.[23]The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in his bosom do not prosper; and an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.[24]The countenance of a wise man is sensible; but the eyes of a fool go to the ends of the earth.[25]A foolish son is a cause of anger to his father, and grief to her that bore him.[26]It is not right to punish a righteous man, nor is it holy to plot against righteous princes.[27]He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, and a patient man is wise.[28]Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom: and he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.
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Author: Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton (1851)
Source: ecmarsh.com