Proverbs of Solomon - Ferrar Fenton Bible Translation page 805
The Psalms, Solomon and Sacred Writers
PROVERBS.
21-22
20-21
The lamp of the LORD in the spirit of man, Explores the caves of the breast. Mercy and truth defend a king, For his throne is founded on mercy. Their strength is the glory of youthful men, Bu: grey heads the honour of the old. To bind a wound protects from harm; And sufferings the depths of the mind. The hand of the LORD holds the mind of a king, He turns it towards whatever He wills. All a rnan‘s ways are right in his eyes, But the LORD will weigh his intents. To practice right and justice, Will please the Loxn more than oKerings. A haughty eye, and a greedy heart, Are the seeds of sin in the bad. The plans of the active procure gain, But those of the idle, want. Who earn wealth by a lying tongue, Hunt risk, and sudden death. The plunder of the bad aillicts them, And yet they refuse to do right! The criminal’s path is rough, His, who practises right, is smooth. Better live lone on the top of a house, Than with brawling wives in its parlour! The wicked heart desires evil; I-lis friend never pleases his eyes! To punish a rogue instructs the weak, And the wise who rehect gain knowledge. The Wicked house instructs the Good, For the bad are o’erthrown.by their sin. Who stops his ear to the cry ofthe poor, He will cry, ard none will answer. A timely gift appeases rage, And a bribe in the pocket great wrath! The righteous delight to do right, And to blot out the doers of wrong. Theman who quits the pathway of sense, Leaves his home for the sake of shadowst The poor man who loves enjoyment, And wine and oil, will never be rich. The wicked should ransom the righteous, And the swiudler be changed for the honest. Better to live in a desert land, Than with a nagging passionate wife. Stored goods and oil remain with the wise, But the stupid fellow will swallow. The follower of Goodness and Mercy, Finds Life and Profit and Honour. 805 2321
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