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Observations on impiety.

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; understanding and knowledge the state but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. thereof shall be prolonged.

7 The full soul loatheth a honey-comb; 3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

sweet.

8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the 5 Evil men understand not judgment: heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's but they that seek the LORD understand all friend by hearty counsel.

things.

10 Thine own friend, and thy father's 6 Better is the poor that walketh in his friend, forsake not; neither go into thy uprightness, than he that is perverse in his brother's house in the day of thy calamity: ways, though he be rich. for better is a neighbour that is near, than a brother far off.

11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.

15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. 16 Whoscever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand which bewrayeth itself.

17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. 18 Whoso keepeth the fig-tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.

19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.

20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

21 As the fining-pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise. 22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him. 23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds:

24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?

25 The bay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.

26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.

27 And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and the maintenance for thy maidens. CHAP. XXVIII.

HE wicked flee when no man pur

Tsuen but the righteous are bold

a lion.

as

7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

8 He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.

11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.

13 He that coveréth his'sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Happy is the man that feareth, always: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor; but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.

17 A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.

18 Whoso walketh. uprightly shall be saved; but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

21 To have respect of persons is not good: for, for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty

shall come upon him.

23 He that rebuketh a man,afterwards

2 For the transgression of a land many shall find more favour than he that flatterare the princes thereof: but by a man of eth with the tongue.

Of public government.

CHAP. XXIX, XXX. Agur's confession and prayer.

24 Whoso robbeth his father or his] 19 A servant will not be corrected by mother, and saith, It is no transgression; words: for though he understand he will the same is the companion of a destroyer. not answer.

25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth 20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his up strife: but he that putteth his trust in words? there is more hope of a fool than the LORD shall be made fat. of him.

26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

H

CHAP. XXIX.

21 He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.

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22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and furious man aboundeth in transgression. 23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and be

E that, being often reproved, harden-wrayeth it not. eth, his neck, shall suddenly be de- 25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: stroyed, and that without remedy.' but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD 2 When the righteous are in authority, shall be safe. the people rejoice: but when the wicked 26 Many seek the ruler's favour; but beareth rule, the people mourn. every man's judgment cometh from the

Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his LORD. father: but he that keepeth company with 27 An unjust man is an abomination harlots spendeth his substance. to the just; and he that is upright in the 4 The king by judgment establisheth way is abomination to the wicked. the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.

CHAP. XXX.

5 A man that flattereth his neighbour THE words of Agur the son of Jakeh,

spreadeth a net for his feet.

6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

8 Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath.

9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is

no rest.

10 The blood-thirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. 12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.

14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for

ever.

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even the prophecy the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, 2 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a

man.

3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy..

4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

7 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I'die:

8 Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in

15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: vain. but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

10 Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.

11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.

12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

18 Where there is no vision, the people 13 There is a generation, O how lofty are perish: but he that keepeth the law,happy their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up. is he. 14 There is a generation, whose teeth

Parents to be respected.

PROVERBS. Properties of a virtuous woman.

are as swords, and their jaw-teeth as 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and knives, to devour the poor from off the pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. earth, and the needy from among men. 6 Give strong drink unto him that is 15 The horse-leech hath two daughters, ready to perish, and wine to those that be crying, Give, give. There are three of heavy hearts. things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough :

16 The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.

17 The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

18 There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know

not:

19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a inan with a maid.

20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

21 For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear: 22 For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;

23 For an odious woman when she is married; and a handmaid that is heir to her mistress.

24 There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:

25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; 26 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

27 The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

28 The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.

29 There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

30 A lion, which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

31 A greyhound; a he-goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up. 32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more..

8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. 10 ¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

is

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.", 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her

33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of household, and eateth not the bread of wrath bringeth forth strife.

THE

CHAP. XXXI.

HE words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? 3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD,

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

¶ ECCLESIASTES, or the PREACHER.

CHAP. I.
THE words of the Preacher, the son of

THE

of

2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

3 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?

4 One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.

5 The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.

pleasure and behold, this also is vanity. 2 I said of laughter, It is mad and of mirth, What doeth it?

3 I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.

4 I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:

I

5 I made me gardens and orchards, and planted trees in them of all kind of fruits: 6 The wind goeth toward the south, 6 I made me pools of water, to water and turneth about unto the north; it whirl therewith the wood that bringeth forth 'eth about continually, and the wind re-trees: turneth again according to his circuits.

7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full: unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again. 8 All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

7 I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and smail cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me;

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8 I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings, and of 9 The thing that hath been, it is that the provinces: Igat me men-singers and which shall be; and that which is done is women-singers, and the delights of the that which shall be done: and there is no sons of men, as musical instruments, and new thing under the sun. that of all sorts.

10 Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.

9 So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.

11 There is no remembrance of former 10 And whatsoever mine eyes desired things; neither shall there be any re-I kept not from them, I withheld not my membrance of things that are to come with heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced those that shall come after. in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.

12 ¶ I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

11 Then I looked on all the works that 13 And I gave my heart to seek and my hands had wrought, and on the labour search out by wisdom concerning all things that I had laboured to do: and behold, all that are done under heaven: this sore was vanity and vexation of spirit, and travail hath God given to the sons of man there was no profit under the sun.

to be exercised therewith.

12 And I turned myself to behold wis14 I have seen all the works that are dom, and madness, and folly: for what done under the sun; and behold, all is can the man do that cometh after the king? vanity and vexation of spirit. even that which hath been already done. 15 That which is crooked cannot be 13 Then I saw that wisdom excelleth made straight and that which is wanting folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. cannot be numbered. 14 The wise man's eyes are in his 16 I communed with mine own heart, head; but the fool walketh in darkness: saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and and I myself perceived also that one event have gotten more wisdom than all they happeneth to them all.

:

that have been before me in Jerusalem: 15 Then said I in my heart, As it hapyea, my heart had great experience of wis-peneth to the fool, so it happeneth even dom and knowledge. to me; and why was I then more wise?

17 And I gave my heart to know wis- Then I said in my heart, that this also is dom, and to know madness and folly: Ivanity.

perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. 16 For there is no remembrance of the .18 For in much, wisdom is much grief: wise more than of the fool for ever; seeand he that increaseth knowledge in- ing that which now is in the days to come creaseth sorrow. shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.

CHAP. II.

SAID in mine heart, Goerefore enjoy
I

17 Therefore I hated life; because the prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy work that is wrought under the sun is

The vanity of human labour. ECCLESIASTES. Of vanity, oppression, &c, grievous unto me: for all is vanity and in his time: also he hath set the world in vexation of spirit. their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning

18 ¶ Yea, I hated all my labour which

I had taken under the sun: because to the end.
should leave it unto the man that shall be
after me.

19 And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity. 20 Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which took under the sun.

21 For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.

22 For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?

23 For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.

12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour; it is the gift of God.

14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

15 That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.

16 ¶ And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.

17 I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is time there for every purpose and for every work.

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24 There is nothing better for a man 18 I said in mine heart concerning the than that he should eat and drink, and that estate of the sons of men, that God might he should make his soul enjoy good in his manifest them, and that they might see labour. This also I saw, that it was from that they themselves are beasts. the hand of God.

19 For that which befalleth the sons of

25 For who can eat, or who else can men befalleth beasts; even one thing behasten hereunto more than I?

26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight, wisdom, and knowledge, and joy but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit. CHAP. III.

falleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth
the other; yea, they have all one breath;
so that a man hath no pre-eminence above
beast: for all is vanity.

a
20 All go unto one place; all are of the
dust, and all turn to dust again.

21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast To every thing there is a season, and that goeth downward to the earth?

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a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his por tion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

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CHAP. IV.

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up: NOI returned, and considered all the 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh;| oppressions that are done under the a time to mourn, and a time to dance; sun: and behold the tears of such as were 5 A time to cast away stones, and a oppressed, and they had no comforter; time to gather stones together; a time and on the side of their oppressors there to embrace, and a time to refrain from was power; but they had no comforter. embracing; 2 Wherefore I praised the dead which

6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a are already dead more than the living time to keep, and a time to cast away ; which are yet alive.

7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a 3 Yea, better is he than both they, which time to keep silence, and a time to speak; hath not yet been, who hath not seen the 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a evil work that is done under the sun. time of war, and a time of peace.

9 What profit bath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

11 He hath made every thing beautiful

4 ¶ Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.

6 Better is a handful with quietness,

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