Proverbs 23

1 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: he that followeth justice is beloved by him. 2 Instruction is grievous to him that forsaketh the way of life: he that hateth reproof shall die. 3 Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more the hearts of the children of men? 4 A corrupt man loveth not one that reproveth him: nor will he go to the wise. 5 A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by grief of mind the spirit is cast down. 6 The heart of the wise seeketh instruction: and the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. 7 All the days of the poor are evil: a secure mind is like a continual feast. 8 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures without content. 9 It is better to be invited to herbs with love, than to a fatted calf with hatred. 10 A passionate man stirreth up strifes: he that is patient appeaseth those that are stirred up. 11 The way of the slothful is as a hedge of thorns: the way of the just is without offence. 12 A wise son maketh a father joyful: but the foolish man despiseth his mother. 13 Folly is joy to the fool: and the wise man maketh straight his steps. 14 Designs are brought to nothing where there is no counsel: but where there are many counsellors, they are established. 15 A man rejoiceth in the sentence of his mouth: and a word in due time is best. 16 The path of life is above for the wise, that he may decline from the lowest hell. 17 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: and will strengthen the borders of the widow. 18 Evil thoughts are an abomination to the Lord: and pure words most beautiful shall be confirmed by him. 19 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house: but he that hateth bribes shall live. By mercy and faith sins are purged away: and by the fear of the Lord every one declineth from evil. 20 The mind of the just studieth obedience: the mouth of the wicked overfloweth with evils. 21 The Lord is far from the wicked: and he will hear the prayers of the just. 22 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the soul: a good name maketh the bones fat. 23 The ear that heareth the reproofs of life, shall abide in the midst of the wise. 24 He that rejecteth instruction, despiseth his own soul: but he that yieldeth to reproof, possesseth understanding. 25 The fear of the Lord is the lesson of wisdom: and humility goeth before glory. 27 It is the part of man to prepare the soul: and of the Lord to govern the tongue. 28 All the ways of a man are open to his eyes: the Lord is the weigher of spirits. 29 Lay open thy works to the Lord: and thy thoughts shall be directed. 30 The Lord hath made all things for himself: the wicked also for the evil day. 31 Every proud man is an abomination to the Lord: though hand should be joined to hand, he is not innocent. The beginning of a good way is to do justice: and this is more acceptable with God, than to offer sacrifices. 32 By mercy and truth iniquity is redeemed; and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. 33 When the ways of man shall please the Lord, he will convert even his enemies to peace. 34 Better is a little with justice, than great revenues with iniquity. 35 The heart of man disposeth his way: but the Lord must direct his steps.