The Garden of Zion, Part 12

The Garden of Zion · Part 12

p. 165THE GARDEN OF ZION. The Booke of the PROVERBS.

A Prayer.

GReat Wiſdomes Hall heer (as I think) I ſee

Embroidred all with Divine-Tapeſtrie:

Heere Solomon hath Proverbs grave and wiſe,

None but vain fools ſuch wiſdome can deſpiſe.

Now great Jehovah, with thy Heavenly fan

Blow up my breaſt, that I may gravely ſcan

Theſe weighty words, and their ſenſe wiſely reach

p. 166Which Jedidiah thy ſervant did preach:

Now clear my sky, even like Mantle blew,

How I may pen theſe Proverbs to me ſhew:

Within my heart now make thy Sprite divin…

To work, as doth in Caskes the finest wine,

Which by ſome chink, if it get not a vent,

Blowes up the bung, or doth the Hodghead rent.

As thou haſt ſet me thy help before,

Reveale thy ſelf to me yet more and more.

CHAPTER I.

The Preface.

THe Proverbs that are words of weight

of the wiſe Solomon.

Who was the king of Iſrael,

and of David the ſon.

2 Their uſe is wiſdome for to know,

& good inſtruction reach,

To underſtanding words perceive,

which men diſcretion teach.

3 Th'inſtruction wiſe for to receive

in all humilitie,

p. 167Of wiſdome, juſtice, and judgement,

and als of equitie.

4 To give unto the ſimple folk

a divine ſubtilty,

Unto the young man knowledge, and

diſcretion good thereby.

5 A wiſe man will hear, and alſo

his learning will increaſe:

A wiſe man ſhall attaine unto

wiſe counſels more or leſſe.

6 To underſtand a proverb, and

th'interpretation mark,

The weighty words of the wiſe als,

their ſayings that are dark.

The beginning of the Proverbs.

7. GODS fear is the beginning of

knowledge that maketh wiſe,

But wiſdome and inſtruction all

fools wickedly deſpiſe.

8 My ſon, hear the inſtruction of

thy father, ſtand in aw:

And of thy mother dear ſee that

thou not forſake the Law.

p. 1689 For they of grace an ornament

ſhall be unto thine head,

And they ſhall be about thy neck

as chains moſt rare indeed.

10 My dear ſon, if to wickedneſſe

vile ſinners thee entiſe,

Conſent thou not, but from their courſe

abſtain, if thou be wiſe.

11 If they ſay, Come with us, Let us

lay wait for humane blood,

Let us now lurk for theſe that be

both innocent and good.

12 Let us them ſwallow up alive,

as doth the greedy grave:

Even like to theſe that go to pit,

from which none can them ſave.

13 We ſhall all precious ſubſtance finde,

as in a fertile ſoile;

We alſo in great plenty ſhall

our houſes fill with ſpoile.

14 Among us now caſt in thy lot,

and care not for a curſe;

Let us rejoice, and let us all

have only but one purſe.

15 My ſon, walk thou not in the way

with them, but them diſdain,

p. 169From their path full of wickedneſſe

ſee thou thy foot refrain.

16 For their feet do moſt ſwiftly run

to that which is not good,

And make great haſte, for by all means

to ſpill and ſhed much blood.

17 By the ſight of the net well might

the fooliſh bird be taught,

But ſhe intent upon her food

is heedleſly then caught.

18 And for their own blood they lay wait,

and others think to ſlay;

And while they lurk thus privily,

their lives they ſtill betray.

19 So are the wayes of every one

that greedie is of gaine,

Which of the owners takes away

the life that is profane.

20 She who the Fathers wiſdome is,

doth cry aloud without;

Her voice to me ſhe in the ſtreets

doth utter with a ſhout.

21 She in the chief place of concourſe

even in the gates and way

Doth cry, She in the city doth

theſe words moſt wiſely ſay,

p. 17022 How long will yee ſimplicity

thus love without all skill,

And ye ſcorners delight to ſcorn,

and fools hate knowledge ſtill?

23 Turn you at my reproof: behold

into you I will powre

My Sprite, I will make known my words

unto you every houre.

24 Becauſe I called have, and yee

refus'd to underſtand,

And no man hath regarded once

when I ſtretch'd out my hand.

25 But ye proudly have ſet at nought

my counſell grave and wiſe,

And would hear none of my reproof,

but did it all deſpiſe.

26 I als at your calamitie

to laugh will not forbear,

I will you ſurely ſcorn and mock

all trembling in your fear.

27 When your fear and deſtruction great

ſhall come as a whirlewinde,

When anguiſh and diſtreſſe ſhall come

your hearts with grief to binde.

28 Then ſhall they cry, but I will not

them anſwer when they call,

p. 171They ſhall me earely ſeek, but they

ſhall not me find at all.

29 For that they hated knowledge, which

aboundeth in GODS word,

And fooliſhly refuſd to chuſe

the true feare of the Lord.

30 They fooles would none of my counſell,

which might have made them wiſe,

They all the words of my reproofe

moſt proudly did deſpiſe.

31 Therefore of their owne way they ſhall

the fruit eat ever ſtill,

And their divices naughty all

with folly ſhall them fill.

32 For the eyes of the ſimple ſhall

them ſlay, and much annoy,

And the proſperitie of fooles

ſhall quickiy them deſtroy.

33 But who ſo hearkneth unto m…

he ſhall moſt ſafely dwell▪

And ſhall be quiet all his life,

from all the fear of ill.

Chap. 2.

MY dear ſon, if thou wilt receive

my wiſe words reverently,

p. 172And if thou my commandment als

wilt ſurely hide with thee.

2 So that thou now thine ear unto

GODS wiſdome ſtill incline,

And moſt humbly thy heart apply

unto wiſdome divine.

3 Yea, if thou after knowledge good

doſt cry, as for thy choice,

And underſtanding for to get

high lifteſt up thy voice.

4 If thou with care for her doſt ſeek,

as for the ſilver fine;

And for her as for treaſures hid

to ſearch thou doſt encline.

5 Then ſhalt thou rightly underſtand

of the LORD GOD the fear,

And finde the knowledge of the LORD,

which to all ſhould be dear.

6 For the LORD who is mercifull,

doth richly give wiſdome;

Knowledge and underſtanding both

out of his mouth do come.

7 He ſound wiſedome lay'th up for theſe

that doe live righteouſly,

He is a buckler unto them

that doe walk uprightly:

p. 1738 Of his moſt juſt judgement the paths

he keepeth every day,

And of his Saints that ſerve him, he

preſerveth well the way.

9 Then righteouſneſſe and judgement als

thou ſhalt well underſtand,

With equitie; and als the path

wherein thy foot ſhall ſtand.

10 When worthy wiſdome entreth in

thy well prepared heart,

And knowledge pleaſant to thy ſoule

doth in no time depart▪

11 Diſcretion ſhall preſerve thee well

from danger all that be,

And underſtanding from the LORD

moſt ſafely ſhall keep thee.

12 Thee to deliver from the way

of the man that ill brings,

From the pernicious wicked man

that ſpeaketh froward things.

13 Who fooliſhly leave and forſake

the paths of uprightneſſe,

For in their foly great to walk

in the wayes of darkneſſe.

14 Who do rejoice for to do evill,

and that with all their might,

p. 174And in the wickeds frowardneſſe

have pleaſure and delight.

15 Whoſe wayes are crooked knowing not

what is ſtreight uprightneſſe,

And they in their moſt wicked paths

are full of frowardneſſe.

16 Thee from the ſtrange woman to ſave,

more dangerous then ſwords,

From the ſtranger which flatt'reth much

with her deceitfull words.

17 Which the guide of her youth forſakes,

who ſtill ſhould be her love:

And doth forget the Covenant all

of her great GOD above.

18 For her moſt vile houſe doth incline

unto the doores of death

And to the dead all ſlaine by ſinne

directly is her path.

19 None of theſe all returne againe,

who fooliſhly are bold

To go to her, nor of the paths

of life doe they take hold.

20 That thou moſt conſtantly may walk

with good men in the way,

And of the righteous keep the paths,

and feare to goe aſtray.

p. 17521 For the upright ſhall dwell in lands

which ſhall thee well maintain,

And theſe that be perfect in heart

ſhall ſtill therein remaine.

22 But wicked men ſhall be cut off

from all the earth about,

And the tranſgreſſours of GODS law

ſhall be all rooted out.

Chap. 3.

My deare ſon, looke that thou my law

do in no way forget,

But ſee that my commandments all

thou keep with all thine heart.

2 For length of dayes they ſhall to thee

adde with a happy life,

And Peace and Plenty wonderfull

far from debate and ſtrife.

3 Let not Mercy and Truth forſake

thee; binde them to thy neck:

Write them upon the table of

thine heart which they ſhall deck.

4 So ſhalt thou moſt ſweet favour finde,

and an excellent light

Of underſtanding good, and that

both in GOD and mans ſight.

p. 1765 Truſt in thee LORD with all thine heart,

well purged and made cleane,

And unto thine owne wiſdome ſee

that in no way thou leane.

6 In all thy wayes acknowledge him

who ſhall thee ſtill protect,

And thy paths through all dangers he

ſhall ſafely all direct.

7 Be thou not wiſe in thine own eyes,

take heed unto thine heart:

The mighty Lord ſee that thou fear,

and from all ill depart.

8 It ſhall be to thy navill health,

and more then that alone,

It wattring and moiſtning ſhall be

even marrow to thy bone.

9 With thy ſubſtance honour the Lord

even whether more or leſſe,

And with the firſt and rareſt fruits

of all thy bleſt increaſe.

10 So ſhall thy barns be filled with

plenty of corne moſt fine:

Thy preſſes als abundantly

ſhall burſt out with new wine.

11 My ſon, the chaſtening of the Lord

ſee that thou not deſpiſe:

p. 177Nor yet of his correction good

be weary any wayes.

12 For whom the Lord loves he corrects,

as he it thinketh right;

Even as a father doth his ſon

in whom is his delight.

13 Moſt happy is the man that doth

Gods heavenly wiſedome find,

And he that underſtanding good

gets for to cleare his mind.

14 For the rich merchandiſe thereof

is better manifold

Then ſilver, and the gaine thereof

then is the fineſt gold.

15 She then Rubies more precious is

which high eſteemed are,

And all the things thou canſt deſire

may not with her compare.

16 In her right hand the length of dayes

abide as in their ſeat;

And in her left hand alſo are

riches and honour great.

17 Her wayes are wayes of pleaſantneſſe,

which mens heart do ſolace,

And which ſhould much ſtirre up our hearts,

ev'n all her paths are peace.

p. 17818 She is a tree of life to them

that on her hold do lay,

And ev'ry one that her retaines

is happy ev'ry way.

19 The Lord by wiſdome founded hath

the earth, and made it ſure,

By underſtanding he the heavens

hath ſtabliſh'd to endure.

20 By his knowledge are broken up

the depths that are not few,

The lofty clouds GODS charets high

drop downe the pleaſant dew.

21 My ſon, let them not from thine eyes

by any way depart,

See that thou keep diſcretion well,

and wiſedome ſound in heart.

22 So ſhall they be unto thy ſoule,

as life thee to protect,

They likewiſe ſhall not faile to be

as grace unto thy neck.

23 Then thou protected by the Lord

ſhalt ſafely in thy way

With courage walk, ſo that thy foot

not ſtumble ſhall alway.

When thou lyes downe, thou ſhalt not be

afraid by danger deep;

p. 179Yea thou moſt ſafely ſhalt ly down,

and ſweet ſhall be thy ſleep.

25 Let not thy heart be ſore afraid

of any ſudden fear,

Nor of the deſolation great

when it doth come right neer.

26 For GOD of thy ſure confidence

ſhall alwayes be the root,

From being taken in a girn

he ſhall keep well thy foot.

27 Withhold not good from them to whom

it's due, as by a band,

When as to do the ſame it's in

the power even of thine hand.

28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go,

and come againe to me,

And I to morrow will it give;

when it thou haſt by thee.

29 Againſt thy neighbour any way

ſee thou deviſe not ill;

Since that he doth by thee alwayes

ev'n moſt ſecurely dwell.

30 With any man without a cauſe

ſtrive not in any terme:

If ſo be that he innocent

hath done to thee no harme.

p. 18031 Vaine oppreſſours envie thou not,

who do poore men abuſe,

And ſee that thou be very ware

none of their wayes to chuſe.

32 For an abomination great

the froward is alway

Unto the Lord; but his ſecret

is with the righteous ay.

33 GODS curſe upon the wickeds houſe

ſhall bring it all to duſt,

But he moſt plenteouſly doth bleſſe

the dwelling of the juſt.

34 Surely he in his wrath doth ſcorne,

the ſcorners to their face,

But unto men of humble hearts

he alwayes giveth grace.

35 The wiſe ſhall all inherit ſtill

great glory in their name,

But the promotion of all fooles

ſhall be nothing but ſhame.

Chap. 4.

YEE children of a father hear

the teaching wiſe and learn'd,

And to know underſtanding good

with diligence attend.

p. 1812 For I to you give doctrine wiſe,

that ye may ſtand in aw,

And walk in mine obedience,

and not forſake my law.

3 For ev'n I was my fathers ſon,

his pleaſure and delight,

Yea tender and beloved well

in my dear mothers ſight.

4 He taught me als, and ſaid to me,

let thine heart now beleeve

My words; als my commandements all

keep well that thou may live.

5 Get wiſdome, underſtanding get

moſt heavenly and divine,

Forget it not, and from my words

ſee that thou not decline.

6 Forſake her not, and ſo ſhe ſhall

moſt ſafe preſerve thee ſtill,

Love her with all thine heart, and ſhe

ſhall keep thee from all ill.

7 Wiſedome, as all men well may know,

in cheefeſt place is ſet,

Therefore get wiſdome, and with that

good underſtanding get.

8 Exalt her high, and ſhe ſhall thee

promote in every place,

p. 182To honour great ſhe ſhall thee bring

when thou doſt her embrace.

9 She ſhall to thee an ornament

of grace give lovingly,

A crown of glory ſure ſhe ſhall

deliver unto thee.

10 Hear, O my ſon, conſider well,

and hear now lovingly

My words, and the years of thy life

ſhall bleſt and many be.

11 I have thee taught in Wiſdomes way,

and that with all my might:

I alſo have thee ſtraightly led

in pathes that are moſt right.

12 When thou ſhalt go, thy ſteps ſhall not

be ſtraitned ſore at all;

And when thou runneſt thou ſhalt not

once ſtumble for to fall.

13 Take faſt hold of inſtruction ſtill,

let her not go away;

Keep her with all thine heart, becauſe

ſhe is thy life alway.

14 Of wicked men ſee that the path

thou enter not into;

And in the way of livers lewd

ſee that thou never go.

p. 18315 Avoid it well with all thine heart,

be wiſe, paſſe not it by,

Turn from it with all diligence,

and quickly paſſe away.

16 For they ſleep not except they have

miſchief done great or ſmall,

And their ſleep ſoon doth paſſe away,

till they cauſe ſome to fall.

17 For they the bread of wickedneſſe

eat with all diligence,

And drunkards like they glut and drink

the wine of violence.

18 But the path of the Juſt is as

the ſhining light alway,

That ſhineth more and more unto

the clear and perfect day.

19 The way of wicked men is as

the darkneſſe of the night;

At what they ſtumble more or leſſe

they brutiſh know not right.

20 My ſon, with diligence attend

unto my words divine,

Unto my wholeſome ſayings ſee

that thou thine eare incline.

21 By careleſneſſe from thy two eyes

let them no time depart,

p. 184But keep them as a treaſure rich

in the midſt of thine heart.

22 For unto theſe that do them finde,

they give life, and refreſh

The hearts of men, and are alſo

even health to all their fleſh.

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence

from wickedneſſe and ſtrife,

For as a fountaine out of it

the iſſues are of life.

24 Put far away from thee a mouth

that's froward and averſe

From words of grace; put far from thee

the lips that are perverſe,

25 Let ſtill thine eyes look right upon

the things that they do ſee,

And let thine eye-lids be direct'd

ſtraight to look before thee.

26 The path of thy feet ponder well,

that thou may ſtill walk ſure,

And alſo let thy wayes all be

eſtabliſh'd to endure.

27 Unto the right hand, nor the left

turne not, for wrath or love,

From the evill workes of wicked men

ſee thou thy foot remove,

p. 185Chap. 5.

MY ſon, with diligence attend

unto my wiſedome now,

And to my underſtanding als

thine ear incline and bow.

2 That thou mayeſt diſcretion good

in heart wiſely regard,

And that thy lips may knowledge keep,

above all watch and ward.

3 For of a ſtrange woman the lips

as hony drop and boile,

Her tongue and mouth much ſmoother are

then is the fineſt oile.

4 But as the woormwood bitter is,

ſo her end in a word

Moſt bitter is, yea ſharp is it

as a two edged ſword.

5 Her filthie feet go down to death,

which doth mans life expell:

Leſt any be deceiv'd thereby

her ſteps take hold on hell.

6 Leſt thou ſhould weigh the way of life,

the ſame for to allow:

Her wayes are ſtill ſo moveable,

that thou canſt not them know.

p. 1867 Therefore, ye children, now my voice

well hear with all your heart,

And from the wiſe words of my mouth

ſee that ye not depart.

8 Remove thy way right far from her,

vile and unrighteous,

And take good heed that nigh the doore

thou come not of her houſe.

9 Leſt to theſe thou thine honour give,

who are great foes to thee,

And the time of thy yeeres to theſe

that fierce and cruell be.

10 Leſt ſtrangers with thy richeſt wealth

be filled plenteouſlie:

And thy moſt painefull labours all

in ſtrangers houſes be.

11 And that thou a vaine fool at laſt

to grieve and mourne begin;

When thy fleſh and thy body both

conſumed are with ſin.

12 And ſay, Oh how inſtruction good

have hated I unwiſe,

And how did my moſt fooliſh heart

ſuch ſweet reproofs deſpiſe?

13 And the voice of my teachers all

would not obey or hear:

p. 187Nor to them that did me inſtruct

would I incline mine eare.

14 Amidſt the Congregation great

moſt fooliſhly almoſt

In all ill which did compaſſe me,

I periſh'd was and loſt.

15 The waters of thine owne ciſterne

drink thou aboundantly,

And waters out of thine owne well

that runne moſt pleaſantly.

16 Spare not thy fountaines full, but them

all largely ſtill diſperſe,

To let thy rivers flow in ſtreets,

ſee thou be not averſe.

17 Let them be onelyonly for thy ſelf,

and ſuch as fear the Lord,

But unto ſtrangers wicked men

nothing at all afford.

18 Let thy fountaine which is for thee,

be bleſſ'd with heart and voice,

And with the dear wife of thy youth

with gladneſſe great rejoice.

19 Let her be as the Hind and Roe

which pleaſantly do move,

And let her breaſt thee ſatisfie,

ſtill raviſht with her love.

p. 18820 My ſon, why wilt thou raviſh'd be,

thy ſelf for to ſolace

With a ſtranger, and her boſome

in thine armes to embrace?

21 For all mans wayes are ſtill before

the eyes of th'Eternall:

And in his ballance wiſely he

pondreth his goings all.

22 The wicked ſhall be taken with

his own iniquitie:

And with the coards of his own ſins

he ſhall faſt holden be.

23 He ſhall without inſtruction ſure

come to his dying day,

And in his foly great he ſhall

for ever go aſtray.

Chap. 6.

If thou, my ſon, be for thy friend,

as ſurety for to ſtand:

If with a ſtranger by promiſe

thou ſtriken haſt thine hand.

2 Thou with the words of thine owne mouth

art ſnared by and by,

Thou with thine owne wordes taken art,

which thou canſt not deny.

p. 1893 Do this, my ſon, and ſave thy ſelf,

when thou art in the hand

Of thy friend, humble then thy ſelf,

make ſure I thee command.

4 Beware that thou in any wayes

unto thine eyes give ſleep;

Or ſuffer ſlumber day or night

on thine eye-lids to creep.

5 Thy ſelf deliver as a Roe

from hunters hands quickly;

And as a bird als from the hand

of theſe that foulers be.

6 Thou Sluggard loit'ring on the downs,

whom good men ſhould deſpiſe;

Go to the Ant, conſider well

her wayes, and then be wiſe:

7 Which having none among the reſt

her guider for to be:

…ea, which hath none to rule at all,

or yet to overſee.

8 In Summer with wiſdome her meat

ſhe doth right well provide,

…nd carefully doth gather all

her food in the harv'ſt tide.

9 How long wilt thou ſleep and ly ſtill,

O ſluggard moſt unwiſe,

p. 190When wilt thou from thy ſlumber, and

thy drouſie ſleep ariſe?

10 Yet wilt thou ſay, A little ſleep

and ſlumber doth me pleaſe,

A little folding of the hands,

to ſleep and be at eaſe.

11 So ſhall come faſt thy poverty.

do what thou may or can,

As one that travails, and thy want

as doth an armed man.

12 A naughty perſon which can not

in good things do or talk

A wicked man that hates the Lord,

with froward mouth doth walk.

13 He winketh with his wily eyes,

he ſpeaketh with his feet,

He with his fingers fals doth teach

ſuch lyes as he thinks meet,

14 Much frowardneſſe is in his heart,

he miſcheef doth deviſe

Continually, he doth diſcord

both ſow and enterpriſe.

15 Therefore moſt ſudden upon him

ſhall his calamitie

Come, ſhortly ſhall he broken all

be without remedie.

p. 19116 Theſe ſix things doth the Lord God hate,

from which we ſhould depart,

Yea, an abomination great

ſev'n are unto his heart.

17 A proud look, and a tongue alſo,

in lying underſtood,

The wicked and the cruel hands,

that ſhed much ſakeleſſe blood.

18 A heart that doth moſt wicked things

with a full aime and drift,

And alſo feet that to miſcheef

in running be moſt ſwift.

19 A falſe witneſſe that ſpeaketh lies,

before the face of men,

And him that craftily doth ſow

diſcord among brethren.

20 Thy dear fathers commandments all

my ſon keep, and in aw

See that thou ſtand, and not forſake

thy loving mothers law.

21 Bind them moſt ſure continually

Faſtned upon thine heart,

And ty them faſt about thy neck,

that they thence not depart.

22 When thou ſhalt goe, it ſhall thee lead,

and ſleeping ſhall thee keep.

p. 192And it ſhall talk with thee when thou

awakeſt out of ſleep.

23 For the commandment is a lamp,

the law is light as day;

And reproofs of inſtruction good

are of our life the way.

24 To keep thee from the wicked wife,

and ſafely thee preſerve

From flatt'ring of a woman ſtrange,

which maks mens hearts to ſwerve.

25 After her beauty fill'd with faird

in thine heart never luſt,

Nor let her twinkling eye lids once

thus take thee under truſt.

26 For by a whoore a man is brought

to a poore piece of bread,

And the adultreſſe for his life

will hunt with all her ſpeed.

27 In his boſome can any man

take ſuch a kindled fire?

And ſhall not all his cloths be burnt

with ſuch a vaine deſire?

28 Can any man ſecurely goe

on burning coales with heate?

Can ſuch a man ſo ſave him ſelf

that he burn not his feete?

p. 19329 So he that to his neighbours wife

doth go to make a rent,

What ever he be that doth her touch

ſhall not be innocent.

30 A theefe that ſteels his neighbours goods

men do not ſo deſpiſe,

If hunger move him to ſuch things,

when they doe him ſurpriſe.

31 But if he be found, he reſtore

which is moſt righteous,

Shall ſeven fold more, he ſhall give all

the ſubſtance of his houſe.

32 But who adultry ſo commits

with her that is a wife,

He is a foole; he that it doth

deſtroyes his ſoule and life.

33 Wounds and diſhonour ſhall he get,

GOD ſhall him ſo repay;

And his ſhamefull and vile reproch

ſhall not be wip'd away.

34 For jealouſie is of a man

the rage, he not therefore

In the day of his vengeance great

will ſpare thee leſſe or more:

35 He wroth, no ranſome will regard,

for to make up that rent

p. 194Yea though that thou give many gifts,

will he ſo reſt content?

Chap. 7.

MY dear ſon, keep thou well my words,

which thou doſt hear from me:

And alſo my commandments all

lay thou up now with thee.

2 With care keep my commandments well,

and happy live thereby,

And alſo keep thou well my law

as th' apple of thine eye.

3 Upon thy fingers bind them faſt,

and let them not depart,

Moſt carefully write them upon

the table of thine heart.

4 Say unto wiſedome in theſe words,

Thou art my ſiſter dear,

And underſtanding alſo call

thy kinſ-woman moſt neere.

5 That they thee from the woman ſtrange,

more dangerous then ſwords

May keep, yea from the ſtranger which

doth flatter with her words.

6 For at the window of my houſe

attentive as I went,

p. 195I did behold and conſtantly

I look'd through the caſement.

7 Behold among the ſimple ones

among rhe youth abide

A young man I diſcerned well

of underſtanding void.

8 He through the ſtreet her corner neer

paſſing without delay,

Unto her houſe that leads to death

moſt quickly went the way.

9 The times he went, the evening was,

when it is the twilight,

And alſo at another time

in the black and dark night.

10 Behold a woman there him met

in harlots vile attire,

Subtile in heart to catch the youth,

and kindle his deſire.

11 This is her faſhion, ſhe is lowd,

and ſtubborne, full of pride,

With her ſervants within her houſe

her feet do not abide.

12 Now ſhe without, now in the ſtreets

prepares for youth a baite,

At every corner ſhamleſly

ſhe lieth ſtill in waite,

p. 19613 So ſhe caught him, and did him kiſſe,

their hearts for to ſolace;

And then at laſt ſhe ſaid to him,

with a moſt ſhameleſſe face,

14 With me I have Peace-offrings now,

with all ſorrows away

To GOD I payed have my vows

moſt perfectly the day.

15 Therefore with diligence I came

foorth for to meet with thee;

And now behold I have thee found

who art full dear to me.

16 I have my bed with cov'rings deckt

of tapeſtrie that's mine,

With carved workes and linnen clean,

of Egypt good and fine.

17 My bed I well perfumed have,

As I may now thee tell

With Myrrhe, Aloes, and Cinamom

which have the ſweeteſt ſmell;

18 Come let us take our fill of love

and each other embrace,

Untill the morning with loves ſweet,

let us our ſelves ſolace.

19 For the good man is not at home,

nor yet in the countrey,

p. 197He for his worldly buſineſſe

is gone a long journey.

20 He taken hath a bag with him,

of money for his way,

And afterward he will come home

at the appointed day.

21 With much fair ſpeech ſhe cauſed him

to yeeld without remorſe,

With the fair flattring of her lips

at laſt ſhe did him force.

22 As an oxe to the ſlaughter goth,

he go'th with her ſtraight way,

Or as a foole unto the ſtocks

correction to eſſay.

23 Till a dart through his liver ſtrake,

as a bird to the ſnare

Makes haſte, not knowing that ſuch things

men for its life prepare.

24 Unto me now hearken therefore

ye children for your well,

And now attend unto the words,

which my mouth ſhall reveale.

25 Let not thine heart by fooliſhneſſe,

decline unto her way,

In her paths moſt pernicious

ſee thou goe not aſtray.

p. 19826 For ſhe right many hath caſt downe,

who wounded, not againe

Could riſe; yea many ſtrong men als,

have thus beene by her ſlaine.

27 Her houſe is moſt pernicious,

it is the way to hell,

A going to the chambers downe

of death that's eternell.

Chap. 8,

MOſt worthy wiſdome for mans well

aloud doth ſhe not cry?

And underſtanding als put foorth

her ſweet voice by and by?

2 She in the top of places high

moſt openly doth ſtand,

Yea in the places of the paths

to make men underſtand.

3 Unto you all yee men of worth,

with my words do I call,

4 And my voice to the ſons of man

directed is with all.

5 Yee ſimple wiſedome underſtand,

and yee fooles, leſt yee ſmart,

With diligence ſee yee be of

an underſtanding heart.

p. 1996 Heare for I of things excellent

will ſpeak with all my might,

And all the op'ning of my lips

ſhall be of things moſt right.

7 For my mouth ſhall moſt conſtantly

ſpeak truth, and ſhall not ſlip,

And wickedneſſe ſhall not at all

proceed once from my lip.

8 All the words that come from my mouth

are ſtill in righteouſneſſe

No froward thing there is at all

in them, or yet perverſe.

9 They are all plaine to him that hath

an underſtanding mind,

They are alſo all right to them

that wiſely knowledge find.

10 Care not for ſilver, but receive

inſtruction manifold,

And carefully for knowledge ſeek,

more then the choiſeſt gold.

11 For wiſedome Rubies is above,

and all the things moſt faire

That may by men deſired be

can not with it compare.

12 I wiſedome with prudence alway

do dwell moſt pleaſantly,

p. 200And of inventions knowledge find,

that grave and wittie be.

13 The feare of God is for to hate

evill, pride, arrogancy,

And the evill way and froward mouth

doe I hate all greatly.

14. Counſell is mine, and wiſedome ſound,

as men ſhall know at length:

I underſtanding am indeed,

I have no lake of ſtrength.

15 By me the mighty Kings do reigne,

who ſit on benches hie,

And mighty Princes in their place

do juſtice als decree.

16 By me the Princes rule with might,

and Nobles by my grace,

Even all the Judges of the earth

from me receive their place.

17 I with my heart do love all theſe

that have a love to me,

And theſe moſt ſurely ſhall me finde

that earely ſeekers be.

18 Continually I have with me

both honour and richeſſe,

Yea riches dureable that are,

and alſo righteouſneſſe.

p. 20119 My fruit is better then the gold,

yea then fine gold that glitter,

My rev'nue als is far above,

the fine and choiceſt ſilver.

20 I all men that reſort to me

lead in the righteous way,

In the midſt als of judgments paths,

that they go not aſtray.

21 That I may cauſe all theſe that do

me love and honour ſtill

Well to inherite wealth; and I

will all their treaſures fill.

22 The mighty Lord poſſeſſed me

with mercies manifold,

In the beginning of his way,

before his works of old.

23 From everlaſting I ſet up

was by his mighty hand,

From the beginning of all things

or ever there was land.

24 I was brought foorth when were no deepths▪

even flowing on the ground,

When no fountaines there were which did

with water great abound.

25 Before the mountaines ſetled were,

before the hilles of worth,

p. 202Yea, even from all eternitie

I was indeed brought foorth.

26 While as the earth and pleaſant fields

the Lord that's wiſe and juſt

Had not yet made, nor higheſt part

of all the worlds duſt.

27 When I prepar'd the heav'ns I was

there in my holy place,

When he a compaſſe ſet upon

the depths excellent face,

28 When he eſtabliſhed above

the clouds, as in a heap,

When he ſtrengthned by his ſtrong arme

the fountaines of the deep.

29 When to the ſea he gave decree

not for to paſſe a point

His precepts; when he of the earth

the ground ſtone did appoint.

30 Then I by him as one brought up

with him was; every day

I his delight was, and did joy

before his face alway.

31 Rejoiceing in theſe parts of earth,

which were indwelled then,

And my pleaſure and cheefe delights

were with the ſonnes of men.

p. 20332 Now therefore hearken unto me,

ye children, young in dayes,

…or they indeed moſt bleſſed are

that wiſely keep my wayes.

33 Be wiſe, and good inſtruction als

be moſt glade for to hear,

And ſee that thou do not refuſe

unto it to give eare,

34 Bleſt is the man that heareth me,

and watcheth at my gates,

…nd of my doores waits at the poſts,

as poor men in ſuch ſeats.

35 For who ſo findeth me, doth find

life which is greateſt gaine,

…nd he of the LORD GOD above

much favour ſhall obtaine.

36 But he that againſt me forlorne

himſelf to ſin doth move,

Much wrongs his owne ſoul; yea all they

that hate me, death do love.

Chap. 9.

VVIſedome her faire houſe builded hath,

which ſeemly is to ſee,

She hath hew'n out her pillars ſeven

as ornaments to be.

p. 2042 She killed hath the beaſt; ſhe hath

mingled her coſtly wine:

She furniſh'd hath her table rich

with dainties good and fine.

3 Her maidens that attend her ſhe

hath ſent foorth by and by,

Upon the higheſt places of

the citie ſhe doth cry.

4 Let ſimple men turne hither in,

and that without delay,

And as for him that wanteth wit

ſhe to him thus doth ſay,

5 Come eat of my moſt bleſſed bread,

as I do you command,

And drink of the wine which I have

well mingled with my hand.

6 All theſe that fooliſh be forſake,

that happy ſo thou may

Live a bleſt life, and alſo goe

in underſtandings way.

7 He that reproves a ſcorner gets

ſhame to himſelfe and ſpot,

And he that wicked men rebukes,

doth get himſelf a blot;

8 To ſhunne all hatred ſee that thou

a ſcorner not reprove,

p. 205But a wiſe man rebuke, and he

will thee moſt ſurely love.

9 Give to the wiſe inſtruction good,

and he will wiſer be,

Teach a juſt man, and he increaſe

in learning will by thee.

10 GODS fear is the beginning of

wiſdome that maketh wiſe,

The knowledge of the holy is

ev'n wiſedome ſound alwayes.

11 For thy dayes in great mercy ſhall

be multipli'd by me,

…nd the years of thy bleſſed life

ſhall ſure increaſed be.

12 If thou be wiſe thou ſhalt be wiſe

for thy ſelfe; this now heare,

…ut if thou ſcorneſt, thou alone

the ſmart thereof ſhalt beare.

13 A woman that is clamorous,

and troubleth all the land,

…e ſimple is, and nothing knowes,

as ſhe ſhould underſtand.

14 For at the doore ſhe of her houſe

ſits idly on a ſeat,

the high places which are of

the city large and great.

p. 20615 To call the ſimple Paſſengers

to make them go aſtray,

When for their worldly buſineſſe

they go right on their way.

16 Who ſo is ſimple let him turn

now hither for to ſit;

And alſo ſhe doth ſay to him

that wanteth ſprituall wit,

17 The ſtoln waters of carnall luſt

are delicate and ſweet;

And bread in ſecret corners are

moſt pleaſant for to eat.

18 But he knows not that there the dead

are, though the Lord it tell,

And that her mad and fooliſh gueſts

are in the depths of hell.

Chap. 10.

A Wiſe ſon to his fathers heart

doth cauſe joy and gladneſſe,

But to his mother dear a fool

brings grief and heavineſſe.

2 The treaſures of great wickedneſſe

no profite bring to man,

But righteouſneſſe deliv'reth ſure

from death that's pale and wan.

p. 2073 The Lord will not let good mens ſouls

both famiſh and decay,

…ut he the goods of wicked men

in wrath doth caſt away.

He that with a ſlack hand doth deale

anone becometh poor:

…t of the diligent the hand

enricheth men moſt ſure.

He that in Summer gathreth, is

a wiſe ſon worthy fame,

…t he that ſleeps in harv'ſt, is ſure

a ſon that cauſeth ſhame.

Great bleſſings are upon the head

of men without offence,

…t the mouth of the wicked is

cov'red with violence.

The memory of the juſt man

who lives without a ſpot

…ſt bleſſed is; but ſure the name

of wicked men ſhall rot.

The wiſe in heart commandments good

receive well one and all;

who is in his fooliſh talk

… prating fool, ſhall fall.

He that walks upright, walks ſurely

not to be overthrown,

p. 208But he that doth pervert his wayes

ſhall to his ſhame be known.

10 He that ſo winketh with the eye

doth ſorrow cauſe and grief,

But he that is a prating foole

ſhall fall into miſchief.

11 The mouth of him that righteous is,

is a faire well of life,

But violence cov'reth the mouth

of all men given to ſtrife:

12 Hatred, which is a bitter root,

doth ſtrife ſtir up and move,

But on the other part all ſins

are cov'red well with love.

13 In the lips of the man that's wiſe

wiſdome doth ſtill abide;

But rods are for his back that is

of underſtanding voide.

14 Wiſe men knowledge lay up with care

which unto them is dear;

But the mouth of the fooliſh is

unto deſtruction neer.

15. The rich mans wealth, which doth abo…

is his moſt ſtrong citie;

And the deſtruction of the poor

is their own povertie.

p. 20916 The labour of the righteous man

to life attaines in end,

But the fruit of the wicked ſort

to ſin doth alwayes tend.

17 He that doth keep inſtruction good,

of life is in the way;

But he that doth refuſe reproof

doth erre, and go aſtray.

18 He that with vaine and lying lips

his hatred evill doth hide:

And he that utt'reth ſlanders falſe

in folly doth abide.

19 In many words there wanteth not

great ſin that doth ariſe,

…ut he that can his lips refraine

may well be called wiſe.

20 The juſt mans tongue like ſilver choice

is when it cometh foorth,

…ut the heart of a wicked man

is ſure of little worth.

21 The prudent lips of righteous men

(as ye may clearly ſee)

…oe many feed; but wicked fooles

for want of wiſdome die.

22 Gods bleſſing maketh ſurely rich,

of nothing he hath neede,

p. 210With it no ſorrow he at all

or grief doth adde indeed.

23 Unto a fool to do miſchief

it is but thought a ſport,

But a well underſtanding man

hath wiſdome to exhort.

24 The wickeds fear ſhall come on him

ſwift as a glaunce of fire;

But ſurely well ſhall granted be

the righteous mans deſire.

25 The wicked like a whirle-winde is,

which ſoone doth paſſe away,

But the man that is righteous ſtill

is founded ſure alway.

26 As vineger is to the teeth,

and ſmoak unto the eye,

So is the ſluggard unto them

whoſe meſſenger is he.

27 The fear of GOD it doth prolong

the good mans happy dayes,

But of the wicked man the yeers

ſhall ſhortned be alwayes.

28 The hope of righteous men ſhall be

both joy and gladneſſe all,

But ill mens expectation ſure

ſhall periſh great and ſmall.

p. 21129 The way of GOD is ſtrength unto

the upright man ſurely,

But for them ſhall deſtruction be

that work iniquity.

30 The righteous man ſhall never be

removed with diſgrace,

But wicked men upon the earth

ſhall have no dwelling place.

31 The mouth of juſt men wiſdome doth

bring foorth without all doubt,

But of the froward man the tongue

at laſt ſhall be cut out.

32 The lips of him that righteous is

know what is fit to ſay,

But of the wicked folk the mouth

ſpeaks frowardneſſe alway.

Chap. 11,

TO GOD abomination is

a ballance falſe and ſleight,

But a juſt weight it is alwayes

at all times his delight.

2 When pride doth come with lofty looks

then ſhame comes by its ſide,

But wiſdome with the lowly ſtill

doth conſtantly abide.

p. 2123 The upright mens integritie

ſhall them guide with great joy,

But the perverſneſſe of the bad

ſhall ſurely them deſtroy.

4 Great riches do not profit much

in ſtormy dayes of wrath,

But righteouſneſſe the godly man

deliv'reth ſure from death.

6 The perfect man directed is

ev'n by his righteouſneſſe,

But tranſgreſſours ſhall taken be

in their owne naughtineſſe.

7 When by death is a wicked man

removed far away;

His expectation periſh ſhall,

his hope ſhall all decay.

8 The righteous man deliv'red is

from trouble and from dread,

And the perverſe for all his wiles

ſhall come into his ſtead.

9 An hypocrite with his vile mouth

his neighbour doth deſtroy,

But through knowledge the juſt man ſhall

deliv'red be with joy.

10 When it goth well with righteous men

the city ſhall rejoice,

p. 213And when the wicked periſh, then

there is a ſhouting voice,

11 By bleſſings of the Upright man

the city is well known

…o be extold; by wicked mouths

it quite is overthrown.

12 A man that is of wiſdome voide

his neighbour doth deſpiſe,

…ut he his peace doth hold that is

of underſtanding wiſe.

13 A tale-bearer that breadeth ſtrife

mens ſecrets doth reveale,

…ut he that's of a faithfull ſprit

the matter can conceale.

14 Where no counſell is to be found

the people poor do fall,

…ut where good counſellers abound

their ſafety is for all.

15 Who for a ſtranger ſurety is

ſhall ſurely for it ſmart,

…d he is ſure that ſuretyſhip

doth heat with all his heart.

16 A gracious woman that is wiſe

retaineth honour ſure,

…nd ſtrong men alſo richeſſe get

which long time do endure.

p. 21417 The man that's mercifull with good

his own ſoul doth refreſh:

But he that cruell is alwayes

doth trouble his own fleſh.

18 The wicked work deceitfull works

but he that doth regard

To ſow the ſeed of righteouſneſſe

ſhall get a ſure reward.

19 As righteouſneſſe doth tend to life,

ſo he that under wrath

Purſueth evill, purſueth it

even unto his own death.

20 A froward heart the LORD abhors,

but ſuch as are upright

In all their wayes, before his face

are ſurely his delight.

21 Though hand in hand joine, wicked men

ſhall not go well away,

But the ſeed of the righteous ſhall

deliv'red be alway.

22 As of fine gold a jewell fair

is in a vile ſwines ſnout;

So is a woman fair which is

diſcretion all without.

23 The deſire of theſe that do walk

into the righteous path

p. 215Is good; but th'expectation all

of wicked men is wrath.

24 Some ſcatter and do yet increaſe,

ſome more then's meet withhold:

But it doth tend to poverty

as well men may behold.

25 The lib'rall ſoul ſhall be made fat

where ever it ſhall go,

And he that watt'reth well, ſhall be

watt'red himſelf alſo.

26 He that for gaine withholdeth corne;

the people curſe him ſhall,

But bleſſing ſhall be on the head

of him that doth it ſell.

27 He that ſeeks good procureth ſtill

much favour with wiſedome,

But he that ſeeketh a miſchief

unto him ſhall it come.

28 He that doth in his riches truſt,

ſhall get a fearfull fall:

But righteous men even as a branch

with beautie flouriſh ſhall.

29 He that his owne houſe troubleth ſtill,

inherit ſhall the wind,

The fool a ſervant to the wiſe,

himſelf ſhall ſurely bind.

p. 21630 The fruit of righteous men is good,

who can it well deſpiſe?

It is a tree of life, and he

that winneth ſouls is wiſe.

31 Behold the righteous in the earth

ſhall get a recompence,

Much more ſhall wicked ſinners get

for all their fair pretence.

Chap. 12.

VVHo ſo doth love inſtruction good

he knowledge loves alſo,

But he that hateth a reproof

like a bruit beaſt doth go.

2 A good man hath Gods favour great

who will not him contemne,

But a man of devices ev'll

he ſurely will condemne.

3 A man eſtabliſh'd ſhall not be

by his owne wickedneſſe,

But the root of the righteous ſhall

not be mov'd more or leſſe.

4 A woman to her huſband good

is as Crownes ſet with ſtones

But ſhe that maketh him aſham'd

brings rotting in his bones.

p. 2175 The thoughts all of the righteous man

are right in GODS conceit,

But counſels all of wicked men

are fraud and meer deceit.

6 The words of ill men are to lie

in waite for blood alone,

But the mouth of the upright ſhall

deliver them anone.

7 The wicked men are overthrown,

and are not to be found,

But the houſe of the righteous man

ſhall ſtand faſt on the ground.

8 A man ſhall be commended much,

as men ſhall find him wiſe,

But him that is perverſe in heart

all good men ſhall deſpiſe.

9 He that deſpiſed is, and hath

a ſervant, is indeed

Much better then who honour doth

himſelf, and lacketh bread.

10 The righteous the life of his beaſt

regardeth neer and far;

But the moſt tender mercies of

the wicked cruell are.

11 He that his land doth till ſhall be

well ſatisfied with bread,

p. 218But he that followeth perſons vaine

is void of wit indeed,

12 The wicked of ill men the net

deſire moſt earneſtly,

But the root of the righteous men

yeelds fruit aboundantly.

13 The wicked by words of his lips

is ſnared round about,

But he that in his wayes is juſt,

of trouble ſhall come out.

14 A man by the fruit of his mouth

with good ſhall filled be,

And of his hands the recompence

ſhall rendred be ſurelie.

15 The way of fooles in their owne eyes

ſeemes to be juſt and right;

But who to counſell good gives eare

is onelyonly wiſe aright.

16 A fooles wrath kindled as a fire

is well known preſently,

But he that is a prudent man

doth cover ſhame wiſely.

17 He that alwayes doth ſpeak the truth,

doth ſhew foorth righteouſneſſe,

But a fals witneſſe in his words

doth ſtill deceit expreſſe.

p. 21918 There many be that do ſpeak like

the pearcing of a ſword,

But the tongue of the wiſe truely

is health in every word.

19 The lip of truth for ever ſhall

eſtabliſh'd be moſt ſure,

But a tongue lying doth but for

a moments ſpace endure.

20 Deceit is in the heart of them

that forge ill to annoy,

But to the counſellours of peace

is gladneſſe great and joy,

21 No ill ſhall happen to the juſt,

which may procure his greef,

But the men wicked and perverſe

ſhall fild be with miſcheefe.

22 The lying lips are to the Lord

abomination right,

But they that truely in their wayes

doe deal, are his delight.

23 A prudent man his knowledge great

conceals in quietneſſe,

But the hearts of the fooliſh men

proclaime their fooliſhneſſe.

24 The good hand of the diligent

ſhall beare rule over all,

p. 220But the man ſloathfull in his wayes

ſhall under tribute fall.

25 While heavineſſe is in the heart,

it maketh it to ſtoop,

But a good word it maketh glad,

and ſo no more doth droop▪

26 The righteous then his neighbour is

more excellent alway,

But the way of the wicked doth

ſeduce them every day.

27 The ſloathfull man he roſteth not

which he took at his chaſe,

But the wealth of the diligent

is good in every place.

28 In the bleſt way of righteouſneſſe

is life for great and ſmall,

And in the fair path way thereof

there is no death at all.

Chap. 13.

A Fathers good inſtruction ſure

a wiſe ſon well doth hear,

But ſcorners unto wiſe rebuke

will no wayes give their ear.

2 By the fruit of his mouth a man

ſhall for a recompence

p. 221…at good things, but the ſinners ſoul

ſhall ſtill eat violence.

3 He that his mouth keeps, keeps his life

that it may ſure abide,

But he ſhall periſh who his lips

perverſly opneth wide.

4 The ſluggards ſoul deſireth much,

and hath nothing to ſpend,

But of the diligent the ſoul

ſhall be made fat in end.

5 5 righteous man doth alwayes hate,

and lying lips doth blame,

But he that's wicked loathſome is,

and comes at laſt to ſhame.

6 Sure righteouſneſſe keeps him that is

upright in the good way,

…ut wickedneſſe doth overthrow

the men that goe aſtray.

7 There is that maketh rich himſelf,

yet hath no thing to ſpend,

…here is that als himſelfe makes poor,

yet is found rich in end.

8 The riches of the wealthy man

are of his life moſt dear

…he ranſome, but a ſharp rebuke

the poore refuſe to heare.

p. 2229 The faire light of the righteous man

rejoyceth every one,

But of the wicked man the lamp

ſhall be put out anone.

10 By pride onelyonly (that is moſt fierce)

great ſtrife the land doth fill,

But with the well adviſed man

is wiſdome ever ſtill.

11 Wealth purchaſed by vanitie

ſhall ſuddenly decreaſe,

But who by labour gathreth well

ſhall in great wealth increaſe.

12 Deferred hope makes ſick the heart,

with lingring and delay,

But when deſire is come, it is

a tree of life alway.

13 Who ſo the word deſpiſeth, ſhall

deſtroyed be ſurely,

But he that the commandment feares

ſhall well rewarded be.

14 Of life a fountaine is the law

of him that's wiſe in heart,

And likewiſe from the ſnares of death

in great haſt to depart,

15 Good underſtanding in affaires

doth favour give alway,

p. 223But hard and full of trouble is

of tranſgreſſours the way.

16 The man that ſurely prudent is

with knowledge wiſely deales;

But in his wordes and workes a fool

his folly ſoone reveales.

17 A meſſenger that wicked is

doth fall into miſchiefe,

But a faithfull ambaſſadour

is health for mans releefe.

18 Both ſhame and poverty ſhall be

to him that doth refuſe

…nſtruction; but he that regards

reproofe, ſhall honour chuſe.

19 Deſire accompliſh'd is moſt ſweet

unto the ſoul and heart,

…ut fooliſh men abhorre alwayes

from ill for to depart.

20 He that with wiſe men walketh, ſhall

be ſurely wiſe anone,

…ut a companion of the fooles

ſhall be deſtroy'd and gone.

21 Much ill doth ſinners ſtill perſue,

but to the righteous ſort

…ood at all times ſurely ſhall be

repay'd to their comfort.

p. 22422 A good man an inheritance

to his children doth leave,

But ſinners wealth is laid up for

all thoſe that juſtly live.

23 Much food aſſuredly is in

the tillage of the poor,

But there is that deſtroyed is

for want of judgement ſure.

24 He that doth ſpare his rod, doth hate

his ſon, that ſeemes moſt dear,

But he that loveth, him betimes

to ſmite will not forbear.

25 The righteous eats, and ſatisfied,

his ſoul doth know no ſcant,

But of the wicked men at laſt

the belly ſure ſhall want.

Chap. 14.

EAch woman wiſe doth build her houſe

right wiſely ſhe commands,

But who's fooliſh doth pluck it downe

ev'n with her owne two hands.

2 He that walks in his uprightneſſe

feares God and ſo is wiſe,

But he that in his wayes perverſe

is, doth him ſtill deſpiſe.

p. 225In the mouth of the fooliſh is

a ſcourge and rod of pride;

…ut wiſe mens lips ſhall them preſerve,

ſo that they ſhall not ſlide.

Where Oxen not remain to work

the crib is clean at length,

…ut much increaſe alwayes abounds

even by the Oxes ſtrength.

A faithfull Witnes fearing God

he will be loath to lie;

…ut a witneſſe perverſe and falſe

a lyar ſtill will be.

Scorners ſeek wiſdome, but to them

God doth it not reveale,

…ut knowledge eaſie is to him

that underſtandeth well.

Go quickly from the preſence of

a fool, thee from him ſave,

…hen of knowledge in him the lips

thou doſt not well perceive.

The wiſdome of the prudent is

to underſtand his way,

…ut of vaine fools the foly great

deceit is every day.

Fools in their rage do make a mock

at ſin, as at a ſport,

p. 226But there among the righteous all

is favour of each ſort.

10 Mans heart knows his own bitterneſſe,

which doth him moſt annoy,

A ſtranger alſo not at all

doth meddle with his joy.

11 Their houſe ſhall ſure be overthrown

who wickedneſſe fulfill,

But the upright mans dwelling place

ſhall bud and flouriſh ſtill.

12 There is a way which ſeemeth right

to man, but in great wrath

The end thereof are unto him

the fearfull wayes of death.

13 In laughter oft the heart is fild

with ſorrow and diſtreſſe,

And laſt, the end of all that mirth

is grief and heavineſſe.

14 The back-ſlider in heart ſhall be

even fild with his own wayes,

A good man ſhall be from himſelf

contented all his dayes.

15 The ſimple every word believes

that vain men to him tell,

But he that is a prudent man

looks to his going well.

p. 22716 A wiſe man fears, and from all ill

doth carefully depart:

…ut the mad fool doth rage, and is

moſt confident in heart.

17 He that is ſoon to anger mov'd

doth deal moſt fooliſhly,

…nd a man of devices bad

he hated ſtill ſhall be.

18 The ſimple in his fooliſh wayes

inherite folly ſhall;

…ut theſe that prudent are in heart

are crownd with knowledge all.

19 The ill in heart before the good

are forc'd to bow the knee;

…nd wicked men even at the gates

of righteous crouch we ſee.

20 The poor even of his neighbour neer

is ſurely hated much,

But many friends do ſtill reſort

about him that is rich.

21 Het that his neighbour doth deſpiſe,

a ſinner great muſt be:

But he that mercy on the poor

hath, happy ſure is he.

22 Theſe that deviſe ill and miſchief

do they not erre unwiſe?

p. 228But both mercy and truth ſhall be

to them that good deviſe.

23 In labour all and diligence

there profite is in end,

But the vaine talk of idle lips

to penury doth tend.

24 The wiſe mens crownes their riches is,

which them doe much adorne,

But the great fooliſhneſſe of fooles

declares them all forlorne.

25 A witneſſe true delivereth ſoules

from great peplexities,

But who in heart a witeneſſe is

deceitfull, ſpeaketh lies.

26 In the feare of the mighty Lord

is a ſtrong confidence,

His children all ſhall have a place

in danger for defence.

27 Of life a fountaine ſurely is

the Lords feare in the heart,

From the moſt cruell ſnares of death

in wiſedome to depart.

28 A numbrous people doth right well

the Kings honour advance,

But in the want of people is

deſtruction to the Prince.

p. 22929 He that is ſlow to wrath he is

of underſtanding great

…ut he high folly doth exalt

that haſtie is of ſprit.

30 A heart that's ſound from fraud and guile

the life is of the fleſh,

…ut envie is the rottenneſſe

of bones that are not freſh,

31 He that the poore man doth oppreſſe,

his maker he moſt ſure

…eprocheth, but who honours him

hath mercy on the poore.

32 The wicked in his wickedneſſe

is driven away by wrath,

…ut he that is a righteous man

ſtrong hope hath in his death.

33 Wiſedome reſts in the heart of him

that doth well underſtand,

…ut what is in the midſt of fooles

is knowne to all the land.

34 A nation by its righteouſneſſe

exalted is with fame,

…ut ſinne is a moſt vile reproch

to any peoples name.

35 The Kings favour is great indeed

for ſervants that are wiſe,

p. 230But againſt him that cauſeth ſhame

in wrath he ſhall ariſe.

Chap. 15.

AN anſwere ſoft with wiſdome great

fierce wrath doth turne away,

But grievous words that give offence

ſtirre anger up alway.

2 The good tongue of the wiſe man ſtill

doth knowledge uſe aright,

But the mouth of fooles fooliſhneſſe

powres out with all their might.

3 The eyes of the Almighty Lord

are ſure in every place

Beholding ill, and als the good

for bleſſing or diſgrace.

4 A tree of life ſure is the tongue

that wholſome words doth teach,

But wickedneſſe that is therein

is in the ſprit a breach.

5 A foole his fathers teaching doth

moſt fooliſhly deſpiſe,

But he that a reproof regards

moſt prudent is and wiſe.

6 In the houſe of the righteous man

much treaſure is and ſtore,

p. 2317 But in the wickeds revenewes

Is greefe and trouble ſore.

8 The Lord abhors the ſacrifice

of men that wicked be,

But the prayer of upright men

is his delight ſurelie.

9 The Lord who holy is and juſt

abhors the wickeds way,

But who goe after righteouſneſſe

he loveth them alway.

10 Correction to him grievous is

that doth the way forſake,

And he that fooliſh hates reproof

ſhall die with ſhame and lake.

11 Hell and deſtruction are before

the LORD, how much more then

Are patent to his eyes of fire

the hearts of mortall men?

12 A ſcorner one that him reproves

doth hate and als deſpiſe.

He is ſo fooliſh that he will

not goe unto the wiſe.

13 A glade heart makes the countenance

ev'n chearfull more and more,

But by the ſorrow of the heart

the ſprit is broken ſore.

p. 23214 The heart of him that underſtands,

doth knowledge ſeek indeed;

But the mouth of vain fools alſo

on fooliſhneſſe doth feed.

15 The dayes of the afflicted are

evill, and of no requeſt,

But he thats of a merry heart

hath a continuall feaſt.

16 Much better is a little with

the true fear of the Lord,

Then treaſure great which is with grief,

and vexing trouble ſtord.

17 Much better is a dinner of

hearbs joind with love and mirth,

Then is a ſtalled ox moſt fat,

and hatred ſtill there with.

18 A wrathfull man ſtrife ſtirreth up,

and lets not men get eaſe,

But he that is to anger ſlow

doth wiſely ſtrife appeaſe.

19 The wayes of him that ſlouthfull is,

as hedge of thornes remaine,

But the way of the righteous man

is made both ſmooth and plaine.

20 A father is made wondrous glad

by a ſon that is wiſe,

p. 233But he that fooliſh is in heart

his mother doth deſpiſe.

21 To him that without wiſdome is

great foly is his joy,

But uprightly he walks who wiſe

his wits doth well imploy.

22 Great purpoſes do fail when they

good counſell are without,

But ſtabliſh'd they by numbers are

of Counſellours about.

23 By th'anſwer of his mouth a man

hath joy well underſtood:

A ſpoken word in ſeaſon due

ſure is exceeding good.

24 The way of life is high above

to him that wiſedome hath,

That ſo he may right ſpeedily

depart from hell beneath.

25 The proud mans houſe God will deſtroy

that it may not endure,

But of widowes the border he

eſtabliſh will moſt ſure.

26 The Lord abhors the thoughts of theſe

that conſtant are in ill,

But the words of the pure in heart

are words moſt pleaſant ſtill.

p. 234That man his own ſoul troubleth much

that greedy is of gaine,

But he that doth hate bribes and gifts

ſhall ſure alive remaine.

28 The righteous heart doth ſtudie ſtill

to anſwere every houre,

But the mouth of the wicked ſort

ſtill ill things out doth powre.

29 Unto all ſuch that wicked are

the Lord will not come neere,

But of all theſe that righteous be,

the prayer he well doth hear.

30 The light of th'eyes doth ſtill rejoice

the heart, and it comfort,

And als the bones are all made fat,

even with a good report.

31 The eare that the reproofe of life,

doth hear well and obey,

Delighteth much for to abide

among the wiſe alway.

32 He that inſtruction doth refuſe,

his own ſoul doth deſpiſe,

But he that humbly hears reproof

gets underſtanding wiſe.

33 Gods fear is the inſtruction good

of wiſdome moſt ſurely,

p. 235Before the time that honour come

is true humility.

Chap. 16.

THe preparation of the heart

in man both night and day,

…nd als the anſwere of the tongue

is from the Lord alway.

2 All the wayes of a carnall man

in his own eyes are clean,

…ut God doth weigh the ſprits which are

of him moſt clearly ſeen.

3 Unto the Lord commit thy works,

that they may well endure:

…nd he the thoughts ſhall of thine heart

eſtabliſh ſtill moſt ſure.

4 The Lord moſt wiſely for himſelf

things of all ſort hath made,

…ſt a for the day of great diſtreſſe

the wicked and the bad.

5 The Lord abhors the proud in heart,

what ever he think or ſay:

…hough hand join hand, unpuniſhed

he ſhall not be alway.

6 By Mercy and Truth wickedneſſe

is purged from the heart;

p. 236And by the true feare of the Lord

men from all ill depart.

7 When a mans wayes reformed well

the mighty Lord doth pleaſe,

He maketh even his enemies all

to be with him at peace.

8 A little thing with righteouſneſſe

is better in Gods ſight,

Then revenewes both great and large

obtain'd againſt all right.

9 The heart of man that prudent is

his way may well deviſe,

But all his ſteps directed are

by God both good and wiſe.

10 A divine ſentence in the lips

of the King oft is found,

His mouth well rul'd tranſgreſſeth not

in judgement good and ſound.

11 A juſt weight, and the ballance als

unto the Lord belong,

The weights all of the bagge his work

are all the earth among.

12 Abomination unto Kings

to practiſe wickedneſſe

It is; for ſtabliſh'd is the Throne

moſt ſure by righteouſneſſe.

p. 23713 The righteous lips that ſhunne all lies

of Kings are the delight.

…nd they do much reſpect and love

him that doth ſpeak aright.

14 The wrath of Kings moſt ſurely is

as meſſengers of death,

…t he that prudent is and wiſe

will pacifie ſuch wrath.

15 In light of the Kings countenance

life doth alwayes remaine,

…s favour als is as a cloud

ev'n of the latter raine.

16 Much better then the gold is it

to get wiſdome divine,

…nd to get underſtanding then

the ſilver that is fine.

17 The high way of the upright is

from all ill to depart;

…t that wiſely doth keep his way,

preſerves his ſoul and heart.

18 Pride got'h before deſtruction ſtill

among both great and ſmall,

…nd likewiſe doth an hauty ſprite

before a ſhamefull fall.

19 Humble to be it better is

with theſe that lowly be,

p. 238Then to devide with lofty men

the richeſt ſpoile we ſee.

20 He that his matters wiſely guides,

ſhall alway find good ſpeed,

And who ſo truſteth in the Lord

he happy is indeed.

21 The wiſe in heart in all their wayes,

moſt prudent call they will,

Likewiſe the ſweetneſſe of the lips

increaſeth learning ſtill.

22 A well of life unto the wife,

is wiſedome moſt ſurelie,

But of fooles the inſtruction all

great folly ſemees to be.

23 Of the wiſe man the prudent heart

his mouth doth wiſely teach,

And maketh learning of all ſorts

unto his lips to reach.

24 Words pleaſant are as hony combs

unto the ſoule moſt ſweet,

And alſo to the bruiſed bones

for health they are moſt meet,

25 There is a way which unto man

ſeemes right, but in Gods wrath

The end thereof which fearfull is,

the ill wayes are of death.

p. 23926 He that doth labour, doth it all

for him ſelf for to have,

For his mouth in neceſſitie

the ſame of him doth crave.

27 A man ungodly in his wayes

digs up ill with deſire,

And in his lips ſet on miſcheefe

there is a burning fire.

28 A man that hath a froward heart

diſcord doth ſow and ſtrife,

…nd whiſperers do ſep'rat ſoone

the cheefeſt friends in life,

29 A man that's given to violence,

his neighbour doth entiſe,

…nd leadeth him into the way

of wicked and unwiſe.

30 He ſhuts his eyes things froward to

deviſe, a great treſpaſſe;

…e moves his lips with fraud and guile

and bringeth ill to paſſe.

31 The hoary head a fair crowne is

of glory and riches,

it be well and wiſely found

in wayes of righteouſneſſe.

32 He that's to anger ſlow, excells

the mighty all among,

p. 240And he that rul's his ſpeach him that

doth take a city ſtrong.

33 The lot is caſt unto the lap,

as at peradventur,

But the diſpoſing all thereof

is of the Lord moſt ſure.

Chap. 17.

A Morſell dry much better is

and quietneſſe of life,

Then houſes full of ſacrifice

with great debate and ſtrife.

2 A wiſe ſervant ſhall over rule

a ſon that cauſeth ſhame,

And ſhall inherit them among

who brethren are by name.

3 The fining pot for ſilver is

appointed by and by,

And furnace for the gold, but God

the hearts of men doth try.

4 A wicked doer to fals lips

attentively gives head,

A liar als doth give his eare

to naughty tongues indeed.

5 Who mocks the poore his maker doth

reproch moſt ſhamefully,

p. 241…e puniſh'd ſure ſhall be that is

glade at calamity.

Childrens children a bleſt off-ſpring,

of old men are the crowne,

And fathers als of children are

the glory and renowne.

7 Speach excellent becometh not

the men that fooliſh be,

Much leſſe becometh it a Prince,

with lying lips to lie.

8 A gift in his eyes that it hath

is as a precious ſtone,

Whetherſoever it doth turne

it proſpreth well anone.

9 He that tranſgreſſions covreth cloſe

moſt wiſely ſeeketh love,

But he that matters doth repeat

doth friendſhip ſoon remove,

10 Into a wiſe man a reproofe

to teach him entreth more

Then ſtrips into a fooliſh man

in number to five ſcore.

11 A wicked man in all his wayes

rebellion ſeeks onelyonly,

Therefore againſt him ſhall be ſent

men with great cruelty.

p. 24212 Let a Bear robbed of her whelps

a man in fury meet,

Much rather then a ramping fool

in his moſt rageing heat.

13 Who ſo rewardeth ill for good,

at laſt ſhall feel the ſmart:

For ill at any time ſhall not

once from his houſe depart.

14 Strife new begun is as when one

to water gives a way,

Therefore leave off contention all

before ye go aſtray.

15 He that the juſt man doth condemne,

and wicked juſtifie,

They both abomination great

are to the LORD ſurely.

16 A wealthy fool by all his baggs,

doth ſurely hope in vaine:

To get wiſdome, ſince he hath not

a heart it to attaine.

17 A wiſe and worthy friend alwayes,

doth love moſt conſtantly,

And like wiſe a dear brother is

borne for adverſity.

18 A man of underſtanding voide

moſt raſhly ſtriketh hands,

p. 243…nd in the preſence of his friends

goes into ſureties bands.

19 He that doth love debate and ſtrife,

doth love tranſgreſſion;

And he that proud exalts his gate,

doth ſeeke deſtruction.

20 He that hath a moſt froward heart,

doth finde no good at all,

And he that hath a tongue perverſe

into miſchief doth fall.

21 He that begets a fool, it doth

unto his grief and ſmart,

The father als of furious fooles

no joy hath in his heart.

22 A merry heart doth good alwayes,

like medicine moſt ſweet,

But all the bones are dryed up

even by a broken ſprite.

23 Out of the boſome craftily

a man profane in heart,

Doth take a gift that he the wayes

of judgement may pervert.

24 Wiſdome is alwayes him before

that underſtanding hath,

But of a fool the eyes are in

the ends of all the earth,

p. 24425 A fool unto his father is

great grief and als diſtreſſe,

And unto her that bare him he

is alſo bitterneſſe.

26 To puniſh the juſt and upright,

it ſeemes not good to be,

Nor yet to raſhly Princes ſtrike,

for right and equitie.

27 He that hath knowledge ſpareth much

his wordes with wiſe intent,

And he that underſtanding hath,

hath a ſprite excellent.

28 A foole when he doth hold his peace

is counted wiſe by men,

When man is ſilent, he is thought

a man of knowledge then.

Chap. 18.

A Man who through deſire to learne,

doth ſet him ſelf apart,

Doth ſeeke and intermedle with

wiſdome with all his heart.

2 In underſtanding any way

a fool hath no delight,

But that his heart diſcover may

it ſelf in all mens ſight.

p. 2453 Whereſoever the wicked come,

then comes contempt quicklie;

And upon mans face comes reproach

with great ignominie.

4 The words of a mans mouth are as

deep waters every way,

And the well-ſpring of wiſdome is

a flowing brook alway.

5 It is not good the perſon of

the wicked to allow,

And that for in judgement corrupt,

good men to overthrow.

6 A vaine fooles lips enter into

contention great and ſmall,

And his mouth full of naughty wordes,

for ſtrokes doth quickly call.

7 A fooles mouth his deſtruction is,

his lips that can not ſpare

…o ſpeak idly, are of his ſoul

a moſt deceitfull ſnare.

8 Talebearers words are even as wounds,

and they down quickly go,

…nto the bellies in moſt parts,

all fill'd with grief and wo.

9 He that lives ſlouthfull in his work,

not caring to come ſpeed;

p. 246Is brother unto him that is

a waſter great indeed.

10 A ſtrong towre is the name of GOD,

both unto rich and poor:

The righteous man doth run to it,

and is moſt ſafe and ſure.

11 The rich mans wealth is his refuge,

and city of defence:

And as a wall in his conceit

which is voide of all ſenſe.

12 Before deſtruction come on man,

his heart is moſt hauty:

And alſo before honour come

is true humility.

13 He who before the matter heard

doth quickly anſwere frame,

It is moſt certainly to him

both folly great and ſhame.

14 The ſprite of courage will ſuſtaine

a mans infirmity,

But who is ſtrong to bear a ſprite,

that deeply wounded be?

15 The heart of him that prudent is

doth underſtanding get;

And to ſeek knowledge of the wiſe,

the ear is alwayes ſet.

p. 24716 The gift of man doth make a roome

for him in every place:

And him before great men doth bring

without ſhame or diſgrace.

17 He that in his owne cauſe is firſt,

doth ſeeme moſt juſt to be,

…ut after him his neighbour comes

him ſearching narrowlie.

18 The lot doth cauſe contentions all

to ceaſe in ev'ry heart;

…etweene the mighty of the earth

the portions it doth part.

19 A city is more eaſy winne,

then brethren in their jarres:

…nd their contentions are moſt like

the ſtrongeſt caſtle barres.

20 The fruit of a mans mouth well ſhall

his belly ſatisfie,

…nd with the increaſe of his lips,

he ſhall well filled be.

21 In power of mans tongue alwayes,

is death and life moſt ſweet:

…d they that love it with their heart,

the fruit thereof ſhall eat.

Who findes a wife, a good thing findes

even help and pleaſant gaine,

p. 248And of the mercy of the Lord

great favour doth obtaine.

23 The poor man in his want doth uſe

intreaties moſt humbly,

But the churle rich in worldly wealth

doth anſwere him roughly,

24 A man that friends hath, muſt himſelf

unto them friendly ſhew

Then any brother cloſer ſticks

a friend that's faſt and true.

Chap. 19.

THe poor is better that doth walk

in his integritie,

Then he that is in lips perverſe

and ſeemes a fool to be.

2 That the ſoule without knowledge be

it is not good or meete,

And he doth ſinne in many wayes

that haſteth with his feet.

3 The fooliſhneſſe of vaine proud man

perverteth all his way,

And his hard heart againſt the Lord

in rage doth fret alway.

4 By great wealth many friends are made

which helpeth in our ſmart.

p. 249But from his neighbour dear the poor

is alwayes ſet apart.

5 A man that is a witneſſe fals

ſhall not unpuniſh'd be,

And he alſo ſhall not eſcape

that vainely ſpeakes a lie.

6 A Princes favour many will

moſt humbly ſtill entreat,

And all men are a friend to him

that gifts oft giveth great.

7 The poore mans brethren hate him all,

much more goe far away

…is friends; he them purſues with words

who wanting are alway.

8 He that gets wiſedome ſurely doth

his owne ſoule dearly love,

He that doth underſtanding keep,

ſhall find good from above.

9 A falſe witneſſe indeed ſhall not

unpuniſh'd be alway,

And he that ſpeaketh lies moſt falſe

ſhall periſh and decay,

10 Delight a vaine and fooliſh man

beſeemeth not at all;

Much leſſe a ſervant rule to have

ov'r Princes great or ſmall.

p. 25011 The great diſcretion of a man,

his anger doth delay:

And a tranſgreſſion to paſſe ov'r

his glory is alway.

12 As roaring of a Lion fierce,

ſo a Kings wrath doth paſſe:

But his favour moſt gracious is,

as dew upon the graſſe.

13 To his father a fooliſh ſon

is great calamity;

And the contentions of a wife,

do drop continually.

14 Houſe richeſſe are th'inheritance

which fathers do afford,

But he that hath a prudent wife,

her hath even from the LORD.

15 Men into ſlumber and deep ſleep

are caſt by ſlouthfulneſſe:

A ſoul that's idle ſuffer ſhall

both hunger and diſtreſſe.

16 He that keeps the commandment well,

his own ſoul keeps ſafely,

But he that doth deſpiſe his wayes,

undoubtedly ſhall dy.

17 He that hath pitie on the poor,

unto the Lord doth lend:

p. 251…nd that which he hath given will he

in payment to him ſend.

8 While there is any hope thy ſon

ev'n chaſten by and by.

…et not thy ſoul him ſpare at all

though he aloud do cry.

9 A man of great wrath puniſhment

ſhall ſuffer and ſuſtaine,

…or if thou him deliver, yet

thou muſt doe it againe.

10 Hear wiſe counſell, and alſo good

inſtruction ſoone receive,

…hat ſo thou in thy latter end

may'ſt alwayes wiſdome have.

11 In a mans heart that is profound

devices many be,

…evertheleſſe the counſell of

the Lord ſhall ſtand moſt free.

12 Of a man worthy the deſire

his kindneſſe is moſt ſure;

…d better then a lyar is

a man though he be poore.

The fear of the Almighty LORD

to life doth alwayes tend,

…e that it hath is ſatisfi'd,

no ill ſhall him offend.

p. 25224 In his boſome a ſlouthfull man

doth hide his hand in vaine,

And will not ſo much as it bring

unto his mouth againe.

25 A ſcorner ſmite, and ſimple men

will ſure beware therefore:

Alſo reprove the wiſe, and he

will be wiſe more and more.

26 He that doth waſt his father and

his mother chaſe away,

Is a vile ſon that cauſeth ſhame,

and brings reproach alway.

27 My ſon I counſell thee to ceaſe

th'inſtruction for to hear,

That cauſeth men alwayes to erre,

from wordes of knowledge dear.

28 A wicked witneſſe judgement all

doth ſcorne both leſſe and more,

And the mouth of the wicked doth

iniquity devore.

29 Judgements ſevere for ſcorners are

prepared by Gods hand,

And ſore ſtripes for the back of fooles,

that nothing underſtand.

p. 253Chap. 20.

WIne is a mocker and ſtrong drink

is raging great alwayes,

…nd whoſoever is thereby

deceived is not wiſe.

As roaring of a Lion ſo

is of a King the fear,

Who him provokes to wrath doth ſin

'gainſt his own ſoul moſt dear.

It for a man an honour is

to ceaſe from ſtrife quickly,

…ut every foole of knowledge void,

therewith will medling be.

The ſluggard will not plow becauſe

of cold ſhowres that down fall,

…herefore in harv'ſt time ſhall he beg,

and have nothing at all.

Counſell is in the heart of man,

like waters deep ſurelie,

…ut one of underſtanding good

will draw it out quickly.

Of men the moſt part will proclaime

each one his own goodneſſe,

…ut who can by his wiſdome finde,

… a man of faithfulneſſe?

p. 2547 The man that is juſt wiſely walks

in his integrity,

His children deare are after him

a bleſt poſterity.

8 A King that ſitteth in the throne

of judgement juſt alway,

With his owne eyes all wickedneſſe

doth ſcatter cleane away.

9 Who can in truth affirme and ſay,

my heart I have made ſure,

Cleane from all ſort of wickedneſſe,

I from my ſin am pure?

10 Weights diverſe and ſuch meaſure als

though they much gaine afford,

They both abomination are

alike unto the Lord.

11 Even a young child is knowne by that

which he doth in mens ſight.

Whether his work be good and pure

and whether it be right.

12 The eare that is inclin'd to heare,

and als the ſeeing eye,

The Lord hath even made both of them

by his hand for to be.

13 Love not long ſleep leſt that thou come

to poverty with ſpeed,

p. 255Thine eyes open and thou ſhalt be

well ſatisfied with bread.

14 The merchand ſaith it's nought it's nought

when he deſires to buy,

But when from thence he is away

he boaſteth by and by.

15 Of Gold and Rubies men eſteeme,

but the lips that can ſay

The words of wiſdome, are indeed

a jewell rare alway.

16 His garment take that ſurety is

even for a ſtrangers ſake,

And of him for a woman ſtrange

ſee that a pledge thou take.

17 Bread that is gotten be deceit

unto a man ſeemes ſweet,

But afterwards his mouth ſhall be

with gravell fil'd for meat.

18 Each purpoſe well eſtabliſh'd is

by counſell good and wiſe,

And when thou mindeſt to make war

do it with good advice.

19 Who bearing falſe tales goth about,

mens ſecrets with great ſlips

Revealeth; therefore haunt him not

that flattreth with his lips.

p. 25620 Who ſo his father curſeth or

his mother dear, moſt ſure

His lamp ſhall be put out anone

in darkneſſe moſt abſcure.

21 An heritage may at the firſt

be gotten haſtilie,

But out of doubt the end thereof

ſhall no way bleſſed be.

22 Say not when thou provoked art

ill recompence I will,

But waite on God and he ſhall ſure

thee ſave from danger ſtill.

23 Weights diverſe are unto the Lord

abomination all,

And a falſe ballance is not good

with either great or ſmall.

24 Mans goings all are of the Lord,

who ordreth them alway,

How can a man then underſtand

to walk in the good way?

25 It is a ſnare to him that doth

the holy things devore,

And after his vowes for to make

enquirie ſtrick therefore,

26 A King that cunning is and wiſe,

can ill men ſcatter well.

p. 257…nd for a juſt judgement alſo

bring over them the wheele.

27 The ſprit of man Gods candle is

which ſhineth in our hearts,

… of the belly ſearcheth ſtill

ev'n all the inward parts.

28 Mercy and truth moſt ſafely do

preſerve the King alone,

…y mercy to his ſubjects all

upholden is his Throne.

29 Of young ſtrong men the glory great

is their great ſtrength indeed;

…nd of old men the beautie is

the gray and hoary head.

30 The blueneſſe of a wound ſurely,

the ill doth cleanſe away,

… of the belly th'inward parts

ſtripes ſtill do purg alway.

Chap. 21.

THe Kings heart in the hand of GOD

is as a river ſtill,

…le doth it turne by his great might

whetherſoever he will.

The way or work of every man

in his owne eyes is right.

p. 258But the LORD pondreth well the hearts,

by his wiſdome and might.

3 To do judgement with upright heart,

and als to do juſtice,

Is more acceptable unto

the LORD then ſacrifice.

4 A haughty look diſdaining men,

a proud and lofty heart,

And plowing of the wicked men

is ſin in every part.

5 All the thoughts of the diligent,

tend unto plenteouſneſſe,

But every one that haſtie is

to want and to diſtreſſe.

6 The getting of great treaſures by

great lyes, a vanitie

Is toſſed to and fro of them

that ſeeke death fooliſhly.

7 The robbery of all wicked men

ſhall quickly them deſtroy,

Becauſe judgement aright to do,

they do refuſe alway.

8 The way of men it froward is

and ſtrange in good mens ſight.

But as for the man pure in heart,

his work is good and right,

p. 2599 Of the houſe top in corners high

it better is to dwell,

…hen in a wide houſe with a wife,

whoſe words are brawlings fell.

10 The wicked man deſireth ill

which ſtill is in his minde,

No favour in his cruell eyes

his neighbours poor can finde.

11 When puniſh'd is the ſcorner vaine,

the ſimple doth perceive;

And when the wiſe inſtructed is

he knowledge doth receive.

12 The righteous man the wickeds houſe

conſidreth and doth know,

But GOD the wicked for their ſin

doth quickly overthrow.

13 Who at the poor mans cry doth ſtop

his eares with heart that's hard,

He alſo in his grief ſhall cry,

but ſhall not then be heard.

14 A gift that is in ſecret given

doth anger pacifie,

And in the boſome a reward

makes wrath away to flie.

15 It is a great joy to the juſt,

judgement to do juſtly,

p. 260But great deſtruction for them is

that worke iniquity,

16 The man that wandreth from the way

of underſtanding plaine,

Shall in the congregation of

the dead alwayes remaine,

17 He that too much his pleaſures loves

ſhall certainly be poor,

And he that loveth wine and oyle

ſhall not long rich endure.

18 A ranſome for the righteous man

the wicked man ſhall be,

And the tranſgreſſour for the man

that walketh uprightlie.

19 A man may in the wilderneſſe

with more contentment dwell,

Then with a woman hauty that

is moſt contentious ſtill,

20 The wiſe mans houſe rich treaſure hath

and oyle aboundantly,

But a man of a fooliſh heart

it ſpends up needleſly.

21 He that ſo after righteouſneſſe

and mercy with his minde

Doth follow, righteouſneſſe and life

and honour als ſhall finde.

p. 26122 A wiſe man doth the city ſcale

of men of great renowne,

And the ſtrong confidence thereof

unto the ground caſts downe.

23 Who ſo his mouth and als his tongue

can wiſely keep from ſtrife,

That man his ſoul doth ſafely keep

from troubles in his life.

24 Who proud in ſprit doth deal in wrath

ſhall hear theſe words of ſhame,

A proud and haughty ſcorner als

is his moſt ſhamefull name.

25 The ſlouthfull mans deſire will not

him ſurely faile to kill,

For his hands full of idleneſſe

refuſe to labour ſtill.

26 He all the day long greedily

doth covet in his heart,

But he that is a righteous man

ſpares not, in any part.

27 Of wicked men the ſacrifice

abhorred ſtill we find,

How much more when he bringeth it

with a moſt wicked mind.

28 A falſe witneſſe that loveth lies

ſhall periſh certainly.

p. 262But he that hears well what is ſaid,

doth ſpeak moſt conſtantly.

29 A wicked man hardneth his face

do what ye can or ſay,

But as for the upright in heart,

he doth direct his way.

30 There is no wiſdome among men,

nor counſell great or ſmall,

Nor knowledge which againſt the LORD,

can well prevail at all.

31 Againſt the day of Battell the

horſe is prepar'd with ſpeed,

But ſafety from ſuch dangers great

is of the LORD indeed.

Chap. 22.

A Good name rather is to be

choſen then manifold

Riches, and loving favour more

then ſilver and fine gold.

2 The rich and poor together meet

for ſo it doth befall,

But the Almighty LORD, he is

the maker of them all.

3 A prudent man the ill forſees,

and hides himſelf wiſely,

p. 263…ut ſimple men paſſe on and are

ſore puniſh'd by and by.

By humbleneſſe and alſo by

the GOD of heavens true fear,

…re riches great and honour both,

and life which is moſt dear.

In the way of the froward man,

are thornes and ſnares laid deep;

He ſurely ſhall be far from them

that doth his ſoul well keep.

6 Traine up a childe in the way that

he ſhould go with his heart,

And when he's old, he ſurely will

not from it once depart.

7 The rich high ov'r the poor doth rule

who muſt him ſtill attend,

And he that borrowes fervant is

unto him that doth lend.

8 He that iniquity doth ſow,

ſhall reap but vanity;

And the rod of his anger ſhall

at laſt fail certainly.

9 He that hath an eye bountifull,

ſhall bleſſed be moſt ſure;

For he abundantly doth give

his bread unto the poor.

p. 26410 Caſt out quickly the ſcorner, and

contention ſhall be gone,

Yea, bitter ſtrife and als reproach

ſhall ſurely ceaſe anone.

11 He that the pureneſſe of the heart,

doth love with heart and minde,

For the grace of his lips moſt ſure,

the King ſhall be his friend.

12 The eyes of GOD do well preſerve

all theſe that do him know

But of tranſgreſſours he the words,

doth alwayes overthrow.

13 The ſlothfull man ſaith in this way,

in wordes that are but vaine,

Without there is a Lion I

in the ſtreets ſhall be ſlaine.

14 The mouth of a ſtrange woman is

as a deep pit or gin,

The man abhorred of the LORD,

ſhall ſurely fall therein.

15 Unto a childes heart fooliſhneſſe

is faſtly bound alway,

But the rod of correction ſoone,

ſhall drive it far away.

16 He that the poor moleſts to be

even rich incontinent,

p. 265And he that giveth to the rich,

ſhall ſurely come to want.

17 Bow down thine eare and hear the words

of theſe that ſpeak wiſely,

And unto knowledge all thine heart,

ſee that thou well apply.

18 For it is a moſt pleaſant thing,

if thou them keep in thee,

They ſure withall even in thy lips

ſhall right well fitted be.

19 That thy truſt may be in the LORD,

I have to thee this day.

Made clearly known and manifeſt

even unto thee I ſay.

20 Have I not writen unto thee,

things that be excellent,

In counſels and knowledge alſo,

and that with good intent?

21 That of the wordes of trueth I might

thee make the certaintie

To know, that thou mightſt anſwere well

to them that ſend to thee.

22 Robbe not the poor becauſe he is

a man of poor eſtate,

Nor yet him that's afflicted ſore

oppreſſe thou in the gate.

p. 26623 For the LORD GOD will ſurely plead

their cauſe, his wrath ſhall boile

The foule of thoſe that ſpoiled them,

he will not faile to ſpoile.

24 With angrie men no friendſhip make

which may procure thy woe,

And likewiſe with a furious man

at all thou ſhalt not goe.

25 Leſt thou incline thine heart to learne

his wayes that are not faire,

And ſo by walking in his wayes

get to thy ſoul a ſnare.

26 Be thou not one of them that hands

ſtrike unadviſedly;

Or of them that not taking heed

for debt even ſureties be.

27 If thou haſt nothing for to pay

through thy great povertie,

Why ſhould he take away by force

thy bed from under thee?

28 The land marke that moſt ancient is

ſee thou it not remove,

Which thy fathers in former times

have ſet for peace and love.

29 Seeſt thou a man that's diligent,

before Kings he moſt ſure

p. 267…hall ſtand; he ſhall not ſtand before

men baſe mean and obſcure.

Chap. 23.

VVHen thou before a ruler high

doſt ſit downe for to eat,

…ee that thou with attention ſtill

conſider well his meat.

Take good head, yea unto thy throat

faile not to put a knife,

…f thou be given to appetite

for baſe things of this life.

Be not deſirous thou of his

ſweet dainties for to eate,

…or whatſoever they ſeeme to be

they are deceitfull meat.

4 With carking care and painefull toile

not laboure rich to be,

From thine owne wiſdome that is vaine

ſee that thou ceaſe quicklie.

5 Set not thine eyes on riches, which

them make wings certainly,

They as an Eagle flee away

moſt ſwift even to the sky.

6 The bread of him that niggard is

ſee that thou do not eat,

p. 268Beware that thou in any way

deſire his dainty meat.

7 For he is as he thinks in heart,

both eat and drink, ſaith he,

But yet for all his pleaſant wordes

his heart is not with thee.

8 The morſels which with great delight

before him thou didſt eat,

Thou ſhalt them vomit up, and ſo

ſhalt looſe thy wordes moſt ſweet.

9 See that thou ſpeak not in the eares

of fooles that are not wiſe,

For they the wiſdome of thy wordes

will certainly deſpiſe.

10 See thou the old land marke ſet down,

remove not more or leſſe,

And enter not into the fields

of the poor fatherleſſe.

11 For he that their Redeemer is

in power is mightie,

He who is a moſt righteous Judge,

ſhall plead their cauſe with thee.

12 Thine heart unto inſtruction good,

ſee that thou well apply,

And als thine eares unto the wordes

of knowledge by and by.

p. 26913 From the young child correction wiſe

withhold not leſſe or more,

…or if thou beatſt him with the rod

he will not die therefore.

14 Thou ſhalt him beat even with the rod,

though he it cruell call,

And ſo his ſoul deliver ſhalt

even from the loweſt hell.

15 My ſon moſt dear if ſo thine heart

in all thy life be wiſe,

My heart even mine, then alwayes ſhall

moſt merrily rejoice.

16 Yea more my inward reines ſhall ſtill

rejoice with all their might,

When thy lips well adviſed ſhall

ſpeak ſuch things as be right.

17 Let not thine heart at any time,

the ſinners great envy,

…ut all the day long ſtrive to be

in Gods fear by and by.

18 For ſurely the proſperitie

of wicked men ſhall end,

But thy hope ſhall not be cut off

what ever thou intend.

19 My ſon whom I deſire to teach,

heare thou without delay,

p. 270Be wiſe in every thing and guide

thine heart in the right way.

20 Amongſt wine-bibbers be thou not

thy ſelf for to refreſh,

Nor yet among the riotous men,

that eaters be of fleſh.

21 For drunkards and the gluttons ſhall

ſure come to povertie,

And drouſineſſe ſhall cloath at laſt,

a man with rags ſurelie.

22 Unto thy father humbly ſtill

well hearken and behold,

And not deſpiſe thy mother dear,

when ſhe is weak and old.

23 See thou buy trueth, but ſell it not

as ignorant and rude,

And wiſdome and inſtruction als,

and underſtanding good.

24 The father of the righteous man

ſhall greatly joy receive,

And he that a wiſe child begets

of him much joy ſhall have.

25 Thy father and thy mother ſhall

be glad with heart and voice,

And ſhe that bare thee in her womb

ſhall heartily rejoice.

p. 27126 My dear ſon give to me thine heart,

that I may it preſerve,

…nd let thine eyes attentively

my workes and wayes obſerve.

27 For a vile whoore moſt ſurely is

a deep ditch of diſtreſſe,

…nd a ſtrange woman is alſo

a pit without regreſſe.

28 She alſo crafty lies in wait,

as one doth for a prey,

…nd ſhe tranſgreſſours among men

increaſeth every day.

29 Who hath woe, ſorrow, ſtrife, and who

hath babling wanting eaſe?

Who cauſeleſſe wounds hath, and who als

hath redneſſe of the eyes?

30 They that long tarry at the wine,

and ſo their time do ſpend,

…hey that mixt wine ſtill ſeek and of

their drinking make no end.

31 Upon the wine of colour red

beware to ſet thy ſight.

When it gives colour in the cup

and moves it ſelf aright.

32 It at the laſt even ſerpent like

moſt venemous doth bite,

p. 272And ſtingeth like a cokatrice

the fruit of wines delite.

33 Thine eyes ſtrange women ſhall behold

which are from good averſe,

And thine heart thus deceived ſhall

things utter moſt perverſe.

34 Yea thou ſhalt be as he that lyes

in the midſt of the ſea,

Or as he that lyes on the top

of maſts that too ſtrong be

35 They have me ſtriken ſhalt thou ſay

and yet I was not ſick;

They beat me but I felt it not,

I it againe will ſeeke.

Chap. 24.

AGainſt ill men ſee thou be not

envious any way,

Nor yet deſire to be with them

by night or yet by day

2 For their hearts onelyonly ſtudie ſtill

deſtruction ſore and grief,

And their lips full of fraud and guile,

talk onelyonly of miſcheef.

3 Through wiſedome great and excellent

an houſe is builded ſure,

p. 273By underſtanding it is well

eſtabliſh'd to endure.

4 And alſo by great knowledge ſhall

the chambers more or leſſe

Be filled with all precious and

the moſt pleaſant richeſſe.

5 A wiſe man in his ſtrength is ſtrong,

yea, as is ſeene at length,

A man that is of knowledge great

increaſeth ſtill his ſtrength.

6 For thou by counſell wiſe ſhalt make

thy warre; alſo in the

Great number of good counſellers

there alwayes ſafety be.

7 Too high is wiſdome for a foole

who doth all wiſedome hate,

He ſenſleſſe opneth not his mouth

to ſpeak words in the gate.

8 He that deviſeth to do ill,

and to vex men with greef,

Shall ſurely be call'd to his ſhame

a perſon of miſcheef.

9 The leaſt thought of all fooliſhneſſe

is ſin, and alſo when

A man a ſcorner vaine becomes

he is abhorr'd of men.

p. 27410 If thou a man faint in the day

of great adverſitie,

Thy ſtrength and thy courage alſo

ſeeme very ſmall to be.

11 If to deliver men from death,

thou alwayes do diſdaine,

And careleſſe be for thoſe that are

ev'n ready to be ſlaine.

22 If thou doſt ſay we know it not

he that doth weigh the heart,

Doth he not it conſider well

and that in every part?

And he that keeps thy ſoul doth he

not know it certainly?

Shall he not render to each man

as his deſervings be?

13 Becauſe that hony fine is good,

ſee that of it thou eat,

And alſo of the hony comb

which to thy taſte is ſweet.

14 So ſhall the knowledge excellent

of knowledge ever be,

Unto thy ſoul moſt precious all

when it is found by thee

Then there ſhall be moſt certainly

a rich reward that day,

p. 275…o that thy expectation ſhall

not be cut off alway.

15 Againſt the righteous lay not wait,

O man void of all grace,

When thou haſt power even in thine hand

ſpoile not his reſting place.

16 For a juſt man ſeven times doth fall

and riſeth up againe,

But wicked men ſhall in miſcheef

both fall and there remaine.

17 Rejoice not when thine enemie fierce

in miſerie doth fall,

And let not when he ſtumbleth downe

thine heart be glad at all.

18 Leſt that it ſore diſpleaſe the Lord,

when he ſuch things ſhall ſee,

And from him turne away his wrath

to bring it upon thee.

19 Becauſe ill men advanced are,

thy ſelf in no way fret,

Nor yet be thou envious at

the wicked mans eſtate.

20 For to the ill man no reward

there ſhall be round about,

The candle of the wicked ſhall

in darkneſſe be put out.

p. 27621 My ſon the Lord fear and the King

both mighty in revenge,

And ſee thou meddle not with them

that ſtill are given to change.

22 For their fearfull calamitie,

moſt ſuddenly ſhall riſe,

And who the ruine of them both

to know ſhall be ſo wiſe?

23 Theſe things alſo belong unto

the wiſe well underſtood,

To have reſpect of perſons it

in judgement is not good.

24 He that unto the wicked ſaith,

thou art a righteous ſeede,

The people him and nations ſhall

curſe and abhorre indeede.

25 But unto them that him rebuke,

ſhall ſurely be delight,

And a good bleſſing als ſhall come

upon them day and night.

26 Each good man ſure ſhall kiſſe the lips

with honour and reſpect,

Of him that anſweres wiſely can

aright in wordes direct.

27 Thy worke without prepare and make

it for thee in the field,

p. 277And afterwards when that is done,

thine houſe right wiſely build.

28 Againſt thy neighbour without cauſe

ſee thou no witneſſe be,

With lying lips let none at all

deceived be by thee.

29 Say not I will do unto him

as he hath done to me,

Surely according to his worke,

it ſhall now rendred be.

30 By the bare field of ſlouthfull men,

I with attention went,

And by the vineyard of the man

that is voide of judgement.

31 And lo, all was growne ov'r with thornes

and nettles had the face

Thereof cov'red; and the ſtone wall

was down in every place.

32 Then I ſaw and conſidered well

it as I did perceive

And did look on it; and alſo

inſtruction did receive.

33 A little ſleep and ſlumber als

the ſluggard well can ſay,

A little folding of the hands

to ſleep while it is day.

p. 278So thy moſt fearfull poverty

ſhall come do what thou can

As one that travails, and thy want

as doth an armed man.

Chap. 25.

THeſe alſo are the Proverbs of

wiſe Solomon ſurely,

Which good King Hezekiahs men

did copie carefully.

2 It is the glory of the Lord

things ſecret to conceale,

But a Kings honour is to ſearch

and matters to reveale.

3 Great is the deepneſſe of the earth,

and ſo the height of heaven,

The heart profound of Kings is als

unſearchable to men.

4 From the fine ſilver take away

the dirtie droſſe and rude,

And for the finer ſhall come foorth

a veſſell pure and good.

5 From before the King take away

men given to wickedneſſe,

And moſt ſurely his throne ſhall be

ſtabliſh'd in righteouſneſſe,

p. 2796 In a Kings preſence put not foorth

thy ſelf moſt fooliſhly,

And likewiſe ſtand not in the place

of theſe that great men be.

7 For it is better that men ſay

come to a higher place,

Then in the Princes preſence to

be put downe with diſgrace.

8 Goe not foorth haſtily to ſtrive.

leſt in the end with blame

Thou know not what to do when thee

thy neighbour puts to ſhame.

9 With thy neighbour debate thy cauſe,

as fitting is and meet,

And unto any other man

reveale not a ſecret,

10 Leſt he that heareth it thee put

to ſhame without delay,

And ſo thy ſhamefull infamie

turne not from thee away.

11 In ſeaſon good a ſpeach diſcreet

that ſpoken is fitlie,

Like apples is of gold that in

pictures of ſilver be.

12 As gold earerings and ornaments

of gold moſt fine and dear,

p. 280Even ſo is a reprover wiſe

on an obedient eare.

13 As cold ſnow in the heat of harv'ſt

is to the reapers fleſh,

So doth a faithfull meſſenger

his maſters ſoul refreſh.

14 Who of a falſe gift ſo doth boaſt

as one both proud and vaine,

Is like unto the clouds and wind

that void are of all raine.

15 By long forbearing is a Prince

perſwaded, and anone,

A ſoft tongue als with meekneſſe great

doth wiſely break the bone.

16 Haſt thou found honie? eat enough

but let the reſt remaine,

Leſt thou therewith be filled much

and vomit it againe.

17 See that thou from thy neighbours houſe

withdraw thy foot ſwiftly,

Leſt of thee weary at the laſt

he hate thy company.

18 A man that beareth witneſſe falſe

againſt his neighboure dear,

Is like a hammer and a ſword,

an arrow, or a ſpeare.

p. 28119 To truſt in trouble in a man,

not faithfull in each point,

…s like a broken tooth in jaw,

and a foot out of joint▪

20 As one in cold takes cloths away,

as vineger among

The nitre; ſo is he that ſings

to heavy hearts a ſong.

21 If hungry be thy fo, him give

of thy bread for to eat,

And give him if he thirſtie be

for drink water moſt ſweet.

22 For thou upon his head ſhall heap

the coales of burning fire,

And the Lord God ſhall thee reward,

even to thine hearts deſire.

23 The north wind with a mighty gale

doth drive away the raine,

So doth an angrie countenance

backbiting tongues reſtraine.

24 It better is in corners high

of houſe tops to abide,

Then with a woman brawling ſtill

in a houſe that is wide.

25 As cold waters do much refreſh

a thirſty ſoul, ſo are

p. 282Good newes which unto men alwayes,

come from a countrey far.

26 A righteous man that falleth down

before the wicked traine,

Is as a corrupt filthy ſpring,

and a troubled fountaine.

27 It is not good for health of men

much hony for to eat,

So als their own glory to ſearch,

for men it is not meet.

28 He that is weak and hath not ov'r

his own ſprite rule at all,

Is like a city broken down

that is without a wall.

Chap. 26.

AS ſnow in ſummer, and as raine

is in a harveſt day,

So great honour for fooliſh men,

not ſeemely is alway.

2 As birds and ſwallowes flie away

but not returne againe,

So the curſe cauſeleſſe ſhall not come

on ſuch for to remaine.

3 A whip for horſe, and for the aſſe

which is both ſlow and ſlack

p. 283… bridle, and a rod prepar'd

is ſtill for the fooles back.

According to his foly not

anſwere a fool at all,

…ſt thou alſo be like to him

and ſo in foly fall.

According to the foly of

fooles anſwere thou likewiſe,

…ſt he puft up in his conceit

him ſelf think to be wiſe.

He that a meſſage to direct

by a fooles hand doth think,

like one that cuts off his feet,

and ſo doth dammage drink.

The men that in their legs are lame,

can not go equally,

… is a parable in the mouth

of ſuch as fooliſh be.

As he that not conſidering well,

a ſtone binds in a ſling,

… is he that gives honour to

a fool in any thing.

As thornes go up in drunkards hands,

which cannot them diſcerne,

… is a parable in the mouth

of fooles that can not learne.

p. 28410 The great God that all things hath form'd

by his hand that is hie,

Doth both reward the fool and theſe

that great tranſgreſſours be.

11 As a vile dog returneth to

his vomite filthily,

So to his foly doth a fool

returne moſt ſpeedily.

12 Seeſt thou a man in his conceit,

that ſeemeth wiſe to be?

There is more hope in any fool

then in him is to ſee.

13 A ſloathfull man that will not work,

ſaith there is in the way

A Lion, yea in all the ſtreets

a Lion is alway.

14 As doth the doore upon his hings

now turning here, now there,

So doth the ſloathfull on his bed

which doth his meanes empaire.

15 The ſloathfull in his boſome hides

his hand; it with great paine

Doth grieve him much even from his mouth

to bring it back againe.

16 The ſluggard in his own conceit

doth wiſer ſeeme to be,

p. 285Then ſeven men that can render well

a reaſon moſt wiſely.

17 The paſſer by that medleth with

ſtrife which doth not belong

…o him, is like one that doth take

a dog by the eares long.

18 As a mad man in furie great

who ſure no judgement hath,

Who caſteth with great violence

firebrands with arrowes death.

19 So is the man that by deceit

his neighbour doth extort,

…nd after ſaith, without remorſe

am I not but in ſport?

20 Where no wood is, the burning fire

there goeth out quickly,

… where no talebearer there is

the ſtrife doth ceaſe to be.

21 As coales are unto burning coales

and wood to flamming fire,

… als to kindle ſtrife it is

a wicked mans deſire.

22 The wordes of a talebearer are

as wounds, and they do go

…own in the bellys inner parts,

with miſerie and wo.

p. 28623 The burning lips and wicked heart,

how ever it be moſt cloſſe,

Are like a potſheard which is well

covered with ſilver droſſe.

24 The man diſſembleth with his lips

that doth another hate,

Within him as a treaſure he

doth ſtill lay up deceit.

95 Believe him not at all when he

diſſembling ſpeaketh fair,

For ſeven abominations then

within his heart there are.

26 Whoſe hatred alwayes by deceit,

is covered more and more,

His wickedneſſe ſhall ſure be ſhew'd

th'aſſembly all before.

27 Who ſo by fraud doth dig a pit,

ſhall ſurely fall therein,

And he that als doth roll a ſtone,

it will returne on him.

28 A lying tongue hates all theſe that

afflicted are thereby,

And a mouth flattering worketh ſure

a ruine by and by.

p. 287Chap. 27.

…N what ſhall on the morrow be

boaſt not in any way,

…or what changes thou doſt not know

may fall out in a day.

2 Let mouths of other men thee praiſe,

but let thine ſilent be,

…et ſtrangers ſpeake, but let thy lips

be cloſely keept by thee.

3 A ſtone is heavy, and ſand

is weighty like the lead,

…ut a vaine fooles wrath then them both

more heavy is indeed.

4 Wrath is moſt cruell, anger als

brings courage by and by,

…ut who is able by his ſtrength

to ſtand before envy?

5 Rebuke open hath power great,

mens ſins for to remove,

Though it ſeeme harſh, it better is

then any ſecret love.

6 The wounds all of a worthy friend,

moſt faithfull are alway,

…ut kiſſes of an enemy are

deceitfull every way.

p. 2887 The ſoul that's full doth loath at laſt

the hony comb to eat,

But to the ſoul that hungry is

a bitter thing is ſweet.

8 As a bird fooliſh from her neſt

doth wander a great ſpace,

So is a man that careleſly

doth wander from his place.

9 Perfume and ointment doth rejoice

the heart and cheare the minde,

So doth the hearty counſell from

the ſweetneſſe of a friend.

10 Thine owne friend and thy fathers friend

forſake thou not alſo,

In trouble to thy brothers houſe

ſee that thou ceaſe to go.

For better is a neighbour neere,

in the time of our ſmart,

Then he that is a brother call'd,

but is far off in heart.

11 My ſon, be wiſe and make my heart

moſt joyfull for to be,

That I may have to anſwere him

that proud reprocheth me.

12 A prudent man forſeeing ill,

him hids till it be paſt,

p. 289…t theſe that ſimple be paſſe on

and puniſh'd are at laſt.

13 Take his garment that ſtrangers for

is bold to be ſurtie,

…nd take a pledge of him that for

a ſtrange woman will be.

14 He that flattring with a loud voice

his friend doth earely bleſſe,

… ſhall be by a prudent man

ev'n counted for a curſe.

15 On all ſides water dropping in

a very rainie day,

… a contentious woman are

alike in every way.

16 Who hideth her the wind alſo

from blowing hide he may,

…d the ointment of his right hand

which doth it ſelfe bewray.

17 As yron ſharpneth at all times

the yron or the ſteel,

… kind man the countenance

of his friend ſharpneth well.

18 Who ſo the fig-tree keepeth faſt

he on its fruit ſhall feed,

…he that on his maſter waits

ſhall honour'd be indeed.

p. 29019 As in the water clear alwayes

face anſwreth unto face,

So the heart of a man to man

in every time and place.

20 Hell and deſtruction are not full

but ſtill do cry to bring;

So mans eyes are not ſatisfied

with any worldly thing.

21 As fining pots for ſilver are

and furnace for the gold,

So is a man unto his praiſe

as men may well behold.

22 Though in a morter thou a fool

among wheat ſhouldeſt bray,

Yet will not his great fooliſhneſſe

from him depart away.

23 Be diligent to know right well

of all thy flocks the ſtate,

And to thy heards moſt carefully

both earely looke and late.

24 For riches though greatly deſir'd

are not for ever ſure,

To every generation doth

the crowne alwayes endure.

25 The hay appeareth and alſo

the tender graſſe ſo faire,

p. 291…d herbs upon the mountaines high

are gathred all with care.

6 The wooll of lambs are for thy clothes

which is a good device,

…d the goats skipping up and downe

are of thy field the price.

7 And thou ſhalt have goats milk enough

even for thy dayly food,

…or thy houſhold, and for the life

even of thy maidens good.

Chap. 28.

THE wicked when no man purſues

doth flee to a ſtrong hold,

But all the men that righteous are,

are as a Lion bold.

2 For the tranſgreſſion of a land,

men many Princes ſee;

But by wiſe men the ſtate thereof

ſhall ſure prolonged be.

3 A poor man that moſt greedy doth

oppreſſe the poor and ſmall,

…s like unto a ſweeping raine

which leaves no food at all.

4 Theſe that forſake the law do praiſe

and wicked men commend,

p. 292But ſuch as carefull keep the law

with them alway contend.

5 Evill men do not perceive at all

the judgement of GODS hand,

But they that dayly ſeek the LORD,

do all things underſtand.

6 Much better is the poor man that

walks in his uprightneſſe,

Then he that is perverſe in heart

though he ſwimme in richeſſe.

7 Who well doth keep the Law of GOD,

is a ſon that is wiſe,

But he that likes the riotous men

his father doth deſpiſe.

8 He that his ſubſtance doth increaſe

by gaine unjuſt, moſt ſure

He ſhall it gather for the man

that pitie will the poor.

9 He that from GODS Law turnes his ear

and will not hear gladlie,

His prayer abomination vile

unto the LORD ſhall be.

10 Who makes the righteous go aſtray,

he ſhall with great diſtreſſe

Fall in his own pit, but the juſt

ſhall good things ſtill poſſeſſe.

p. 29311 The rich man in his own conceit

is wiſe without all doubt,

…ut the poor that well underſtands

doth clearly ſearch him out.

12 When righteous men with heart rejoice,

great glory is to ſee,

…ut when ill men to honour riſe,

then good men hidden be.

13 He that cov'reth his ſins, ſhall not

well proſper in his dayes,

…ut who ſhall them with heart forſake.

ſhall merciemercy have alwayes.

14 Moſt happie he that feares alway,

GOD ſhall ſend him relief,

…ut he that hardneth ſtill his heart

ſhall fall into miſchief.

15 As is a roaring Lion, and

as is a ranging Bear,

… over a poor people doth

a ruler ill appear.

16 A Prince that wanteth wit, is an

oppreſſour in his wayes,

…ut he that hateth covetouſneſſe

ſhall well prolong his dayes.

17 A man that by his violence

doth any perſon ſlay,

p. 294By juſtice ſhall flee to the pit,

ſee that no man him ſtay.

18 Who ſo in life walks uprightly,

that man he ſurely ſhall

Be ſaved; but he that in his heart

perverſe, at once ſhall fall,

19 He that painfull his land doth till

ſhall of bread have plentie,

But he that followes perſons vaine,

ſhall come to povertie.

20 A faithfull man ſhall ſtill abound

with bleſſings permanent,

But he that haſteth to be rich

ſhall not be innocent.

21 To have reſpect of perſons, it

is ill both more and leſſe,

For for a peece of bread that man

will certainly tranſgreſſe.

22 He that makes haſt for to be rich

hath doubtleſſe an ill eye,

And thinketh not that him upon

ſhall come great povertie.

23 He that a man rebuketh, ſhall

after more favour get,

Then he that falſly with the tongue

to flatter ſtill is ſet.

p. 29524 Who ſo his parents robs and ſaith,

it is no fault at all,

The ſame of a deſtroyer we

may the companion call.

25 He that is of a hauty heart

ſtirres up debate and ſtrife,

But he that puts his truſt in God,

ſhall be made fat in life.

26 He that doth truſt in his owne h…a…t

moſt fooliſh is ſurely,

But he who wiſely ſo doth walk

ſhall well delivered be.

27 He that doth give unto the poore

ſhall not have any lake,

But he that hids his eyes ſhall have

great curſes on his back.

28 When wicked ones do riſe, men hide

themſelves moſt ſecretly,

But when they die the righteous folk

increaſe aboundantly.

Chap. 29.

HE who reprov'd often his neck

doth harden ſtubbornly,

Shall ſuddenly be all deſtroy'd

without all remedy.

p. 2962 When good men have authoritie

the people all rejoice,

But when the wicked rule doth beare

then is a mourning voice.

3 Who wiſdome loves he joyfull makes

his fathers countenance,

But who with harlots ſtill abides

doth ſpend his whole ſubſtance.

4 The King that's wiſe by judgement doth

eſtabliſh well the land,

But it is overthrowen by him

that hath a bribing hand.

5 A man that with his flattring wordes

his neighbour ſtill doth feed.

He for his feet in all his wayes,

a net doth ſurely ſpread.

6 In the tranſgreſſion of ill men

there ſurely is a ſnare,

But righteous men ſing and rejoice

with joy and gladneſſe rare.

7 The righteous man conſidreth well

the poor mans cauſe apart,

But wicked men to know it once

regard not in their heart.

8 Men ſcornefull bring a city in

a fearfull ſnare alway,

p. 297But wiſe men through their wiſdome great

do turne all wrath away.

9 If wiſe wen with a fooliſh man

into contention fall,

Whether he rage or yet he laugh

there is no reſt at all.

10 The blood thirſty doth hate the man,

that upright is in life,

But the juſt man contrarily

ſeeks to preſerve his life.

11 A fooliſh man doth utter all

his mind moſt fooliſhly,

But a wiſe man till afterwards

it keeps in cunningly.

12 If eare to lies a ruler give,

which do mens names defame,

His ſervants all to ſlanders als

their tongues will ſurely frame.

13 The poor and the deceitfull man

by the LORDS power divine

Together meet; the LORD on both

doth make his ſunne to ſhine.

14 The King upright in all his wayes

that judgeth faithfullie

The poore, his throne for evermore

ſhall ſure eſtabliſh'd be.

p. 29815 Rods and reproofs great wiſdome give,

but which is worthy blame,

A fooliſh childe left to him ſelf

his mother brings to ſhame.

16 When wicked men are multiplied

tranſgreſſion doth increaſe,

But righteous men ſhall ſee them fall

in danger and diſtreſſe.

17 Correct thy ſon, and he ſhall give

thee reſt both day and night,

Yea, prudent he unto thy ſoul,

ſhall ſurely give delight.

18 The people where no viſion is

do periſh ſpeedily,

But he that well th… law doth keep,

moſt happy ſure is he.

19 Servants corrected will not be

by wordes, that men can ſay,

For though they well do underſtand,

yet will they not obey.

20 A man moſt ſudden in his wordes,

and haſty doſt thou ſee?

There is more hope of any fool

nor of him there can be.

21 He that a ſervant from a childe

up brings too tenderly,

p. 299Shall at the length have him moſt ſure,

as his own ſon to be.

22 An angry man doth ſtrife ſtir up

with a moſt troubled ſound,

Men furious in tranſgreſſions great,

do alwayes ſtill abound.

23 A mans own pride ſhall bring him low

under his neighbours feet,

But honour ſhall uphold alwayes,

the man of humble ſprite.

24 Who ſo is partner with a theef,

his own ſoul hates alway,

He doth hear men urg'd with great oathes

and doth them not bewray.

25 The fear of man doth bring a ſnare,

but who for to endure

In ſafety, truſteth in the LORD,

he ſhall be ſafe and ſure.

26 The Rulers favour many ſeek

which may them help afford,

But the judgement of Judges doth

depend upon the LORD.

27 The man unjuſt abhorred is

by the juſt man alway,

The wicked is even loth'd by him,

that's upright in the way.

p. 300Chap. 30.

WIſe Agurs words ſon of Jakeh,

even the ſweet propheſie;

The man ſpake unto Ithiel,

and Vcall certainly.

2 Surely I am more brutiſh then

all other men can be,

And underſtanding of a man

I have not as ye ſee.

3 I neither wiſdome good did learne

which wiſe men well do teach,

Nor yet to holy knowledge I

am able for to reach.

4 Who hath aſcended up to heaven?

Or who from thence againe

Deſcended hath? Who in his fiſts

the winde makes to remaine?

Who waters in a garment hath

bound faſt for to endure?

Who all the ends hath of the earth

eſtabliſhed moſt ſure?

What is the name of ſuch a man

whereby thou doſt him call,

And what is his ſons name alſo,

if thou canſt clearly tell?

p. 3015 Ev'ry good word that doth proceed

from God is cleane and pure,

He unto them that truſt in him

a ſhield is firme and ſure.

6 See that thou adde not to his words

leſt that he thee reprove,

And thou be found one who is ſet

moſt wicked lies to love.

7 Two things have I with all mine heart

required Lord of thee,

Denie me them not I thee pray

before the time I die.

8 Take vanitie from me and lies,

give me not povertie,

Nor richeſſe; feed me with the food

convenient for me.

9 Leſt I full, thee deny and ſay,

Who is God in diſdaine?

Or leſt I be poore, and ſo ſteele

and take GODS name in vaine.

10 Unto his maſter a ſervant

accuſe not leaſt he thee

Curſe bitterly, and thou at laſt

be guilty found to be.

11 There is a generation that

their father dear do curſe:

p. 302And being fill'd with wickedneſſe,

there mother do not bleſſe.

12 There is a generation als

that in their eyes are pure,

And yet their filthineſſe not waſh'd

doth ſtill in them indure.

13 There is a generation als

how lofty are their eyes,

And their eye-lids are lifted up

through their great pride and eaſe.

14 There is a generation als

whoſe teeth are as a ſword,

And their jaw teeth as knives moſt ſharp,

oppreſſours in a word.

15 The baſe horſeleach hath daughters two

which give give ſtill do cry,

Three things they are; yea, foure which ye…

can never ſatisfie.

16 The grave, alſo the barren womb,

the earth that is not full

Of water, and the fire that doth

cry for more fewell ſtill.

17 The eye that mocks his father and

refuſeth to obey

His mother, Ravens and Eagles it

ſhall picke out for a prey.

p. 30318 There be three things indeed which are

too wonderfull for me:

Yea, there be foure which I my ſelf

know not with certaintie.

19 The markes that in the way appear

of Eagles in the aire,

The ſerpents way when it upon

a hard rock doth repaire,

The way als of a ſailing ſhip

in the midſt of the ſea,

A harlots way to ſpoile a maide

of her virginitie,

20 Such is the way of her that is

a vile adultereſſe,

She eats and wips her mouth ſaying,

I do not wickedneſſe.

21 For three things is diſquieted,

the earth both far and neere,

Yea, and for foure which it can not

be able for to bear.

22 For a ſervant when he doth reigne,

and troad men under feet,

And als a fool when he is fill'd

with good and dainty meat,

23 For a woman that's odious,

a poor huſbands diſtreſſe,

p. 304And likewiſe an hand maid that is

heire to her owne miſtreſſe.

24 There be foure things upon the earth,

which are of little price,

But by the great Gods providence

they are exceeding wiſe.

25 The Ants a people are not ſtrong

which in the earth repaire,

Their meat they in the ſummer time

with diligence prepare.

26 The little conies in the fields

are but a feeble folk,

Yet they moſt cunningly do make,

their houſes in the rock.

27 The locuſts in their armies all

have no King that commands,

Yet go they foorth in order good,

even all of them by bands.

28 The ſpider with her crooked hands

doth heere and there take hold,

And to abide in palaces

of great Kings ſhe is bold.

29 There be three things upon the earth,

which go right orderly,

Yea there are foure in number which

in going are comely.

p. 30530 A Lion which among all beaſts

is ſtrongeſt for a prey,

…nd for all theſe that him gainſtand,

doth not turne once away.

31 A gray hound with great ſpeed and als

a hee-goat and a King.

…gainſt whom by the force of men,

there is no upriſing.

32 If thou in lifting up thy ſelf,

haſt done things fooliſhly:

…f thou haſt thought ill, lay thine hand

upon thy mouth quickly.

33 As churning of milk butter brings,

and wringing of the noſe

Brings blood, the forcing ſo of wrath

brings forth both ſtrife and noiſe.

Chap. 31.

THe words of good king Lemuel all

the worthy prophecie,

That his dear mother did him teach,

that he might prudent be.

2 What my deare ſonne? And what the ſon

which I with paine did beare

Into my wombe? And what the ſon

of all my vowes moſt deare?

3 To woman vaine give not thy ſtrength

which ſhall thee much annoy,

p. 306Nor yet thy wayes to that which doth

the mighty Kings deſtroy.

4 O Lemuel it is not for Kings

as thou may wiſely think,

Nor yet for Princes fooliſhly

ſtrong wine to bibe and drink.

5 Leſt that they drink and then the law

forget, and als pervert

The judgement of theſe men that are

afflicted ſore in heart.

6 Give thou ſtrong drink unto him that

is in great greef and ſmart,

And alſo wine unto all theſe

that be of heavy heart.

7 Let him drink well, and then forget

his poverty therefore,

And ſo remember in his mirth

his poverty no more.

8 Thy mouth ſtill open for the dumb

even whether neer or far,

Ev'n in the cauſe of ſuch that to

deſtruction ordain'd are.

9 Thy mouth with wiſedome open well,

and judge thou righteouſly,

The cauſe of needy men and poor

plead thou moſt faithfully.

p. 30710 Who on earth can a woman find,

both vertuous good and wiſe?

…he richeſt Rubies all above,

is her excellent price.

11 Of her huſband, the heart in her

doth truſt without all toile,

…o that he furniſh'd well in all

ſhall have no need of ſpoile.

12 She loving him moſt heartily,

and fleeing from all ſtrife,

…ill do him good ſtill and not ill

ev'n during all her life.

13 She ſeeketh wooll and alſo flax,

and that moſt carefully,

…nd early with her hands and late

ſhe worketh willingly.

14 She like the ſhips of merchands is,

which ſtill procure much good,

…e well directed, from a far

brings ſafely home her food.

15 She riſeth als while it is night,

and wiſely giveth meat

To her houſhold, a portion als

for all her maids to eat.

16 A field ſhe doth conſider and

it buyes for fear of want;

p. 308With the fruit of her hands ſhe als

a vineyeard well doth plant.

17 Her loines ſhe girdeth well with ſtrength

her ſelf for to addreſſe

Unto her task, ſhe maketh ſtrong

her armes for buſineſſe.

18 She doth perceive her merchandiſe

to be good in mens ſight,

Her candle burning her before

doth not go out by night.

19 Her hands unto the ſpindle ſhe

moſt carefully doth lay,

Her hands alſo the diſtafe hold,

and ſo doth paſſe the day.

20 Her hand unto theſe that be poor

ſhe ſtretcheth out richlie,

Yea, more ſhe reacheth foorth her hands

to theſe that needie be.

21 For her houſhold ſhe of the ſnow

is not afraid at all,

For with ſcarlet her houſhold is

well cloathed great and ſmall.

22 She cov'rings to her ſelf doth make

of richeſt tapeſtrie,

Her clothings of the fineſt ſilk

and coſtlie purple be.

p. 30923 Her huſband in the gates is known

by ſuch attire moſt net,

…hen he among the Elders doth

ſit in the judgement ſeat.

24 She diligent the linnen fine

doth make and als it ſell,

…e likewiſe doth fine girdles give

unto the merchands all.

25 Strength and honour her clothing are,

ſuch is her great wiſdome,

…nd ſhe by theſe her comforts ſhall

rejoice in time to come.

26 She with wiſdome op'neth her mouth,

which makes all ſtand in aw,

…d in her tongue governed well,

of kindneſſe is the law.

27 Unto the wayes of her houſhold

ſhe wiſely lookes indeed,

…d being buſie eateth not

of idleneſſe the bread.

28 Her children riſe up, and her call

moſt bleſt in all her dayes,

…er huſband alſo well content,

he praiſeth her alwayes.

29 Much daughters have moſt vertuouſly

done as men well may tell,

p. 310But thou indeed them all above

moſt highly doſt excell.

30 Deceitfull ſurely favour is

and beautie is but vaine,

But a woman that feares the LORD,

her praiſe ſhall ſtill remaine.

31 Of her hands give her of the fruit

which early work and late,

And let her own works with applauſe,

ſtill praiſe her in the gate.

The Ʋſe.

Let not the words of vaine men with their no…

Outſhrill the precepts of Gods divine voice,

But ſet thy heart their meaning for to finde,

And lay them up till brimefull be thy mind…

While Wiſdome thus ſtoups down poor ma… teach

Most wiſe Proverbs that we their ſenſe may re…

Let us ſtill learne and carefull act our part,

That wiſdomes words may get place in our he…

Fy, what a ſhame to hear in wiſdomes ſchoole

Such leſſons wiſe, and yet remaine a foole!

They double ſtripes are worthy who may finde

p. 311…his glorious light, and yet are beetle blinde.

Away with theſe who in moſt furious fits

…ith earthly dregs do drench their wanton wits.

…ch oft them ſelves moſt wiſe of all do deeme

…ike mummers which are not that which they ſeeme.

…eer wiſdome learne and strive for to be wiſe,

…heſe grave proverbs ſee that thou not deſpiſe,

…hat thou thereby may learne to flie from ſin,

…ven Satans cobweb and his deadly gin,

…herein he holds, and doth als divers pull

… craftie meanes the ſimple for to gull.

… fiery wrath ſhall make the Crowes and Pyes

…ck out the pride of Childrens ſcornefull eyes,

…ho Mothers precepts lightly ſtill ſet by,

A vengeance ſure moſt heavy by and by

…all come on theſe, who proverbs good and wiſe

…d precepts grave ſhall fooliſhly deſpiſe:

… thou thy dueties well would learne and ſee,

…his precious Pandect hold before thine eye.