Proverbs of Solomon - Ferrar Fenton Bible Translation page 816

29....; j PROVERBS. IO II 16 18

20 2I 22 26

29-27

When the good succeed the people rejoice; But when the bad govern, men groan. A man who loves Wisdom, brings joy to his father; But the friend of harlots surrenders his wealth. A king strengthens his land by justice, But a man of taxation exhausts it. A man who Batters his neighbour, Is spreading a net for his feet. There is a trap, in a bad man's sin ; But the good can sing and rejoice. The good will examine the pleas of the weak, The bad troubles not to enquire. The seditious set states in a flame, But the wise will remove discontent. If a wise man discuss with a fool,

By frowns or by smiles, he persuaclesnot. The murderous have hate of the honest, But the upright will find his esteem. A blockhead shows all his intention, But the wise keeps it quietly back. Ifa ruler attends to deceptions, All his officials turn villains. The poor and oppressors encounter, They are both in the eyes of the LORD. The king who faithfully governs the poor, Will establish his throne for ever. The rod, and reproof, give wisdom,

But an untrained child disgraces his mother. When the wicked succeed, vice grows, But the righteous will witness their fall. Chastise your son, and he will comfort, And give a relief to your mind. Without Revelation a Nation fades, But it prospers by knowing the law. A slave will not be corrected by words, Though he knows, he will not comply. Do you see a man quick in his words ? There is morehope for a fool than for him. Who humours his slave from a youth, Will be despised by him at last! A passionate man incites to strife, And the master of fury to sin. The prideof a man will depress him, But a mind that submits will gain honour. Who shares with a thief, hates his life; Hears the oath, but will never inform. Human terror precipitates loss; But who trust in the LORD will be safe. Many seek for the favour of rulers, But man’s justice should come from the Loan. A vile man disgusts to the good,

And the bad loathe the ways of the just l 8 i 6