9

The way
of the wicked is an abomination to
the LORD;

But He loveth him that followeth after right

eousness.

10 There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way;

And he that hateth reproof shall die.

11 The nether-world and Destruction are before the LORD;

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 discernment seeketh knowledge;

But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.

15 All the days of the poor are evil;

But he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.

16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure and turmoil therewith. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

18 A wrathful man stirreth up discord;

But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19 The way of the sluggard is as though hedged

by thorns;

But the path of the upright is even.

20 A wise son maketh a glad father;

But a foolish man despiseth his mother.

21 Folly is joy to him that lacketh understanding;

But a man of discernment walketh straightforwards.

22 For want of counsel purposes are frustrated; 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 The path of life goeth upward for the wise, That he may depart from the nether-world

beneath.

25 The LORD will pluck up the house of the proud;

But He will establish the border of the widow.

26 The thoughts of wickedness are an abomination to the LORD;

But words of pleasantness are pure.

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 an

swer;

But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

29 The LORD is far from the wicked;

But He heareth the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart; And good report maketh the bones fat.

31 The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life

Abideth among the wise.

32 He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul;

But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.

33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom;

And before honour goeth humility.

22

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches,

And loving favour rather than silver and gold.

2 The rich and the poor meet togetherThe LORD is the maker of them all.

A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself;

But the thoughtless pass on, and are punished.

4 The reward of humility is the fear of the

LORD,

Even riches, and honour, and life.

5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward;

He that keepeth his soul holdeth himself far from them.

6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old, he will not depart from it.

7 The rich ruleth over the poor,

And the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity; And the rod of his wrath shall fail.

9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed;

For he giveth of his bread to the poor.

10 Cast out the scorner, and contention will go out;

Yea, strife and shame will cease.

11 He that loveth pureness of heart,

That hath grace in his lips, the king shall
be his friend.

12 The eyes of the LORD preserve him that hath
knowledge,

But He overthroweth the words of the faith-
less man.

13 The sluggard saith: "There is a lion with

out;

I shall be slain in the streets.'

14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: He that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a

child;

But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

16 One may oppress the poor, yet will their gain increase;

One may give to the rich, yet will want

come.

17 Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise,

And apply thy heart unto my knowledge. 18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee;

Let them be established altogether upon thy lips.

19 That thy trust may be in the LORD,

I have made them known to thee this day, even to thee.

20 Have not I written unto thee excellent things

Of counsels and knowledge;

21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth,

That thou mightest bring back words of truth to them that send thee?

22 Rob not the weak, because he is weak,
Neither crush the poor in the gate;
23 For the LORD will plead their cause,

And despoil of life those that despoil them.

24 Make no friendship with a man that is given to anger;

And with a wrathful man thou shalt not go;