Knox Bible

1

Do not flatter thyself with hopes of to-morrow; what lies in the womb of the future thou canst not tell.

2

Seek praise, but not of thy own bestowing; another’s lips, not thine, must sound it.

3

What is more crushing than stone, more burdensome than sand? A fool’s ill humour.

4

Fierce, fierce is rage, and indignation mounts like a flood, but the pangs of jealousy, these there is no resisting.

5

Better open reproof than the love that gives no sign.

6

Better the love that scourges, than hate’s false kiss.

7

Full-fed spurns the honeycomb; to Hunger’s lips, bitter is sweet.

8

When bird leaves nest, let a man leave his home.

9

Sweeter than ointment, sweeter than any perfume, when man’s heart talks to heart of friend.

10

Friend of thine, and friend that was thy father’s, never forsake; so, in thy sore need, no kinsman’s door thou shalt need to enter.

Neighbour over the way is better than kinsman at a distance.

11

My son, wouldst thou be thy father’s pride? Court wisdom, and silence thy detractors.

12

When ill times come, prudence is on its guard, and takes refuge; the unwary march on, and pay the penalty.✻

13

Does a man go bail for a stranger? Without more ado, take his garment from him; who trusts without knowledge, forfeits the pledge.✻

14

So early abroad, so loudly wishing thy neighbour well? This is curse, not blessing.✻

15

Between a scold and a roof that drips in winter there is nothing to choose.

16

As well store up the wind in thy house, though thou call her the marrow of thy right hand.✻

17

Iron whets iron, friend shapes friend.

18

If figs thou wouldst eat, tend thy fig-tree well; if honour thou wouldst have, wait well on thy master.

19

Clear as a face mirrored in water, the wise see men’s hearts.✻

20

Death and the grave were never yet content, nor man’s eyes with gazing.

21

Silver and gold are judged by furnace and crucible, man by his repute.✻ (Heart of knave is ever set on mischief, heart of true man on wisdom.)

22

Bray a fool like corn, with pestle and mortar, he will be a fool still.

23

Spent be thy care, thy eyes watchful, over flock and herd of thine;

24

riches will slip from thy grasp, and crowns, will they last for ever?✻

25

See, where the meadows are laid bare, and the aftermath is springing, the hay all carried, now, from the hill-slopes!

26

Pasture for the lambs that shall clothe thee, for the goats that shall be the price of more fields yet;

27

goat’s milk, too, shall suffice to feed thee, give life and strength to thy men and thy serving-maids.