29 He that is patient in spirit is a man of great understanding.

But he that is passionate exalteth folly.

30 A sound heart is life to the flesh :

But jealousy is rottenness to the bones.

31 He that oppresseth the humble reproacheth his Maker:

But he that sheweth kindness to the poor honoureth him.

32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: But the righteous hath hope in his death.

33 In the heart of the intelligent wisdom resteth: But that which is in the midst of fools will be known.

34 Righteousness exalteth the nation :

And mercy is a sin offering for the people.*

35 The favour of the king is upon a wise servant : But he that causeth shame shall feel his displeasure.

* People-i. e., Gentiles. See Grotius, Parkhurst.

CHAPTER XV.

1 A SOFT answer turneth away wrath :

But a provoking word causeth anger to rise.

2 The tongue of the wise recommendeth knowledge: But the mouth of fools poureth out streams of folly. 3 The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, Inspecting the wicked and the good.

4 A healing tongue is a tree of life:

But perverseness in it-a blasting wind.

5 A fool despiseth the instruction of his father: But he that keepeth reproof will be prudent.

6 The house of the righteous hath much treasure: But with the revenue of the wicked there is trouble. 7 The lips of the righteous disperse knowledge: But the heart of fools [saith] "not so.'

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah :

But the prayer of the upright is his delight.

9 An abomination to Jehovah is the way of the wicked: But him who pursueth righteousness he will love.

10 Correction is grievous to him that forsaketh the

And he that hateth reproof shall die.

11 Sheôl and Abaddon are before Jehovah :

way:

How much more the hearts of the sons of Adam.

12 A scoffer loveth not his reprover:

To the wise he will not go.

13 A joyful heart maketh a cheerful countenance:
But by trouble of heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of the intelligent seeketh knowledge:
But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.

15 All the days of the afflicted are evil :
But a glad heart is a continual feast.

16 Better is a little with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and tumult with it.

17 Better is a refreshment of herbs in the path and love with it,

Than a stalled ox and hatred.

18 A man of wrath stirreth up strife:

But he that is patient in spirit stilleth contention.

19 The way of the sluggard is like a hedge of thorns: But the path of the upright is as the highway.

20 A wise son giveth joy to his father:

But a foolish man despiseth his mother.

21 Folly is mirth to him that wanteth understanding: But a man of understanding will walk uprightly.

22 When there is no consultation purposes are broken : But by the multitude of counsellors they are established.

23 There is joy to a man by the answer of his mouth: And a word in proper time-how acceptable!

24 The way of life is above to the wise,

That he may depart from Sheôl beneath.

25 The house of the proud Jehovah teareth in pieces: But he establishes the boundary of the widow.

26 Evil thoughts are an abomination to Jehovah : pure words are his delight.

But

27 He troubleth his own house who is greedy of gain : But he that hateth bribes shall live.

28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer : But the mouth of the wicked poureth out streams of wickedness.

29 Jehovah is far from the wicked:

But the prayer of the righteous he will hear.

30 The light of the eyes maketh glad the heart: And a good report maketh the bones fat.

31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life

In the midst of wise men will continue.

32 He that rejecteth discipline despiseth his own soul: But he that heareth reproof acquireth understanding. 33 The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honour is humility.

CHAPTER XVI.

1 To man belong the preparations of the heart: But from Jehovah cometh the answer of the tongue.

2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes: But Jehovah weigheth the spirits.

3 Commit to Jehovah thy work,

And thy purposes shall be established.

4 Every work of Jehovah is fitted to its purpose: And thus the wicked for the day of evil.

5 The abomination of Jehovah is all pride of heart : Hand for hand* he shall not be held innocent.

6 By mercy and truth a transgression may be expiated : And in the fear of Jehovah is a departure from evil.

* Chap. xi. 21.