Chapter 21 Two edge sword


1 My son, hast thou sinned? do so no more, but ask pardon for thy former sins.


2 Flee from sin [as] from the face of a serpent: for if thou comest too near it, it will bite thee: the teeth thereof are [as] the teeth of a lion, slaying the souls of men.


3 All iniquity is [as] a two edged sword, the wounds whereof cannot be healed[1].


4 To terrify and do wrong will waste riches: thus the house (of proud men) shall be made desolate.


5 A prayer out of a poor man's mouth reacheth to the ears of God, and his judgment cometh speedily.


6 He that hateth to be reproved is in the way of sinners: but he that feareth the Lord will repent from his heart[2].


7 An eloquent man is known far and near; but a man of understanding knoweth when he slippeth.


8 He that buildeth his house with other men's money [is like] one that gathereth himself stones for the tomb of his burial.


9 The congregation (of the wicked) is [like] tow wrapped together: and the end (of them) is a flame of fire to destroy them.


10 The way (of sinners) is made plain with stones, but at the end thereof is the pit of hell.


11 He that keepeth the law (of the Lord) getteth the understanding thereof: and the perfection of the honor (of the Lord) is wisdom.


12 He that is not wise will not be taught: but there is a wisdom which multiplieth bitterness.


13 The knowledge (of a wise) man shall abound [like] a flood: and his counsel is [like] a pure fountain of life.


14 The inner parts (of a fool) are [like] a broken vessel, and he will hold no knowledge as long as he liveth.


15 If a skilful man hear a wise word, he will commend it, and add unto it: but as soon as one of no understanding heareth it, it displeaseth him, and he casteth it behind his back.


16 The talking (of a fool) is [like] a burden in the way: but grace shall be found in the lips of the wise.


17 They enquire at the mouth (of the wise man) in the congregation, and they shall ponder his words in their heart.


18 As is a house that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool: and the knowledge (of the unwise) is [as] talk without sense.


19 Doctrine unto fools is [as] fetters on the feet, and [like] manacles[3] on the right hand.


20 A fool lifteth up his voice with laughter; but a wise man doth scarce smile a little.


21 Learning is unto a wise man [as] an ornament of gold, and [like] a bracelet upon his right arm.


22 A foolish man's foot is soon in his [neighbour's] house: but a man (of experience) is ashamed of him.


23 A fool will peep in at the door into the house: but he that is well nurtured will stand without.


24 It is the rudeness (of a man) to hearken at the door: but a wise man will be grieved with the disgrace.


25 The lips (of talkers) will be telling such things as pertain not unto them: but the words of such as have understanding are weighed in the balance.


26 The heart (of fools) is in their mouth: but the mouth of the wise is in their heart.


27 When the ungodly curseth Satan, he curseth his own soul.


28 A whisperer defileth his own soul, and is hated wheresoever he dwelleth.


Chapter 22