An analysis of Wisdom and Folly.

Proverbs.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good; and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he. The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning. Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly. Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. He that hath knowledge spareth his words; and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool when he holdeth his peace is counted wise; and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels. Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of under tanding hath wisdom. The heart of him that hath understanding secketh knowledge: but the mouth

of fools feedeth on foolishness. A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly; and a man of wicked devices is hated. A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. The simple inherit folly; but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. A wise son maketh a glad father, but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the tolly of fools is deceit. Fools make a

mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. A scorner seeketh wisdom and findeth it unt: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. A reproof entereth more into a wise man than a hundred stripes into a fool. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will yet be wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

Ecclesiasticus.

The discourse of a godly man is always with wisdom; but a fool changeth as the moon. The discourse of fools is irksome, and their sport is the wantonness of sin. A wise man will. hold his tongue till he see opportunity but a babbler and a fool will regard no time. A wise man by his words maketh himself beloved: but the graces of fools shall be poured out. The gift of a fool shall do thee no good when thou hast it: neither yet of the envious for

his necessity for he looketh to receive many

things for one.

He giveth little, and upbraideth

.

much; he openeth his mouth like a crier; to-day he lendeth, and to morrow will he ask it again : such an one is to be hated of God and man. The fool saith, I have no friends, I have no thank for all my good deeds, and they that eat my bread speak evil of me. How oft, and of how many shall he be laughed to scorn! for he knoweth not aright what it is to have; and it is all one unto him as if he had it not. An unseasonable tale will always be in the mouth of the unwise. A wise sentence shall be rejected when it cometh out of a fool's mouth; for he will not speak it in due season. A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the day of sinning he will beware of offence: but a fool will not observe time. Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise unto him that found her. They that were of understanding in sayings became also wise themselves, and poured forth exquisite parables. The heart of the prudent will understand a parable; and an attentive ear is the desire of a wise man. A wise man shall promote himself to honour with his words: and he that hath understanding will please great men. He that is not wise will not be taught: but there is a wisdom which multiplieth bitterness. The knowledge of a wise man shall abound like a flood; and his counsel is like a pure fountain of

life. The inner parts of a fool are like a broken vessel, and he will hold no knowledge as long as he liveth. There is one that is wise and teacheth many, and yet is unprofitable to himself. There is one that sheweth wisdom in words, and is hated; he shall be destitute of all food. For grace is not given him from the Lord; because he is deprived of all wisdom. Another is wise to himself; and the fruits of understanding are commendable in his mouth. A wise man instructeth his people; and the fruits of his understanding fail not. A wise man shall be filled with blessing; and all they that see him shall count him happy. A wise man shall inherit

glory among his people, and his name shall be perpetual.