Ecclesiastes 3
Ecclesiastes chapter 3 from the Douay-Rheims Bible, Challoner Revision
1 And one that looseth his garment in cold weather. As vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a very evil heart. As a moth doth by a garment, and a worm by the wood: so the sadness of a man consumeth the heart. 2 If thy enemy be hungry, give him to eat: if he thirst, give him water to drink: 3 For thou shalt heap hot coals upon his head, and the Lord will reward thee. 4 The north wind driveth away rain, as doth a sad countenance a backbiting tongue. 5 It is better to sit in a corner of the housetop: than with a brawling woman, and in a common house. 6 As cold water to a thirsty soul, so are good tidings from a far country. 7 A just man falling down before the wicked, is as a fountain troubled with the foot and a corrupted spring. 8 As it is not good for a man to eat much honey, so he that is a searcher of majesty shall be overwhelmed by glory. 9 As a city that lieth open and is not compassed with walls, so is a man that cannot refrain his own spirit in speaking. 11 As snow in summer, and rain in harvest, so glory is not seemly for a fool. 12 As a bird flying to other places, and a sparrow going here or there: so a curse uttered without cause shall come upon a man. 13 A whip for a horse, and a snaffle for an ass, and a rod for the back of fools. 14 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou be made like him. 15 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he imagine himself to be wise. 16 He that sendeth words by a foolish messenger, is lame of feet and drinketh iniquity. 17 As a lame man hath fair legs in vain: so a parable is unseemly in the mouth of fools. 18 As he that casteth a stone into the heap of Mercury: so is he that giveth honour to a fool. 19 As if a thorn should grow in the hand of a drunkard: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 20 Judgment determineth causes: and he that putteth a fool to silence, appeaseth anger. 21 As a dog that returneth to his vomit, so is the fool that repeateth his folly. 22 Hast thou seen a man wise in his own conceit? there shall be more hope of a fool than of him.