There be four things upon the earth which are little; but they are exceedingly wise: the ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; the conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; the - locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; the spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces. There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:-a lion, which is the strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any; a greyhound; a he-goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up. If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself; or, if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth. Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter; and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood; so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife. The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vowς ? Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy way's to that which destroyeth kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes, strong drink: lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgement of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. Open thy mouth for the dumb, in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously; and plead the cause of the poor and needy. Who can find a virtuous woman! for her price is. far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her; so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. 1 She seeketh wool and flax; and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her houshold, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good': her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her houshold: for all her houshold are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.. Strength and honour are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her houshold, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. : id FROM ECCLESIASTICUS. 1 All wisdom cometh from the Lord, and is with him for ever. Who can number the sand of the sea, and the drops of rain, and the days of eternity? Who can find out the height of heaven; and the breadth of the earth; and the deep; and wisdom? Wisdom hath been created before all things, and the understanding of prudence from everlasting. The word of God most high is the fountain of wisdom; and her ways are everlasting command ments. To whom hath the root of wisdom been revealed ? or, who hath known her wise counsels? Unto whom hath the knowledge of wisdom been made manifest? and who hath understood her great experience? There is one wise and greatly to be feared; the Lord sitting upon his throne. He created her, and saw her, and numbered her, and poured her out upon all his works. She is with all flesh, according to his gift; and he hath given her unto them that love him. The fear of the Lord is honour, and glory, and gladness, and a crown of rejoicing. The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy and gladness, and a long life. Whoso feareth the Lord, it shall go well with him at the last, and he shall find favour in the day of his death. To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and it was created with the faithful in the womb. She hath built an everlasting foundation with men, and she shall continue with their seed. To fear the Lord is fulness of wisdom, and filleth men with her fruits. She filleth all their house with things desirable, and the garners with her increase. If thou desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord shall give her unto thee. Be not an hypocrite in the sight of men, and take good heed what thou speakest. 1 My son, if thou come to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for temptation. Set thy heart aright, and constantly endure; and make not haste in time of trouble. Cleave unto him, and depart not away, that thou mayest be increased at thy last end. Whatsoever is brought upon thee, take cheerfully, and be patient when thou art changed to a low estate. For gold is tried in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of adversity. Believe in him, and he will help thee; order thy way aright, and trust in him. Ye that fear the Lord, wait for his mercy, and go not aside, lest ye fall. G |