Proverbs (Sentences)
This Book is so called, because it consists of wise and weighty sentences: regulating the morals of men: and directing them to wisdom and virtue. And these sentences are also called PARABLES, because great truths are often couched in them under certain figures and similitudes.
The use and end of the proverbs. An exhortation to flee the company of the wicked: and to hearken to the voice of wisdom.
The advantages of wisdom: and the evils from which it delivers.
An exhortation to the practice of virtue.
A further exhortation to seek after wisdom.
An exhortation to fly unlawful lust, and the occasions of it.
Documents on several heads.
The love of wisdom is the best preservative from being led astray by temptation.
The preaching of wisdom. Her excellence.
Wisdom invites all to her feast. Folly calls another way.
In the twenty following chapters are contained many wise sayings and axioms, relating to wisdom and folly, virtue and vice.
A deceitful balance is an abomination before the Lord: and a just weight is his will.
He that loveth correction, loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof, is foolish.
A wise son heareth the doctrine of his father: but he that is a scorner, heareth not when he is reproved.
A wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish will pull down with her hands that also which is built.
A mild answer breaketh wrath: but a harsh word stirreth up fury.
{1:It is the part of man} to prepare the soul: and of the Lord to govern the tongue.
Better is a dry morsel with joy, than a house full of victims with strife.
He that hath a mind to depart from a friend, seeketh occasions: he shall ever be subject to reproach.
Better is the poor man, that walketh in his simplicity, than a rich man that is perverse in his lips and unwise.
Wine is a luxurious thing, and drunkenness riotous: whosoever is delighted therewith, shall not be wise.
As the divisions of waters, so the heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord: whithersoever he will, he shall turn it.
A good name is better than great riches: and good favour is above silver and gold.
When thou shalt sit to eat with a prince, consider diligently what is set before thy face:
Seek not to be like evil men, neither desire to be with them:
These are also parables of Solomon, which the men of Ezechias, king of Juda, copied out.
As snow in summer, and rain in harvest, so glory is not seemly for a fool.
Boast not for to morrow, for thou knowest not what the day to come may bring forth.
The wicked man fleeth, when no man pursueth: but the just, bold as a lion, shall be without dread.
The man that with a stiff neck despiseth him that reproveth him, shall suddenly be destroyed: and health shall not follow him.
The wise man thinketh humbly of himself. His prayer and sentiments upon certain virtues and vices.
An exhortation to chastity, temperance, and works of mercy; with the praise of a wise woman.