Chapter 40 _{10 These things are created for the wicked, and for their sakes came the flood.11 All things that are of the earth shall turn to the earth again: and that which is of the waters doth return into the sea.12 All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out: but true dealing shall endure for ever.13 The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river, and shall vanish with noise, like a great thunder in rain.14 While he openeth his hand he shall rejoice: so shall transgressors come to nought.15 The children of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches: but are as unclean roots upon a hard rock.16 The weed growing upon every water and bank of a river shall be pulled up before all grass.17 Bountifulness is as a most fruitful garden, and mercifulness endureth for ever.18 To labour, and to be content with that a man hath, is a sweet life: but he that findeth a treasure is above them both.19 Children and the building of a city continue a man's name: but a blameless wife is counted above them both.20 Wine and musick rejoice the heart: but the love of wisdom is above them both.21 The pipe and the psaltery make sweet melody: but a pleasant tongue is above them both.22 Thine eye desireth favour and beauty: but more than both corn while it is green.23 A friend and companion never meet amiss: but above both is a wife with her husband.24 Brethren and help are against time of trouble: but alms shall deliver more than them both.25 Gold and silver make the foot stand sure: but counsel is esteemed above them both.26 Riches and strength lift up the heart: but the fear of the Lord is above them both: there is no want in the fear of the Lord, and it needeth not to seek help.27 The fear of the Lord is a fruitful garden, and covereth him above all glory.28 My son, lead not a beggar's life; for better it is to die than to beg.29 The life of him that dependeth on another man's table is not to be counted for a life; for he polluteth himself with other men's meat: but a wise man well nurtured will beware thereof.30 Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless: but in his belly there shall burn a fire.}

Chapter 41 _{1 O death, how bitter is the remembrance of thee to a man that liveth at rest in his possessions, unto the man that hath nothing to vex him, and that hath prosperity in all things: yea, unto him that is yet able to receive meat!2 O death, acceptable is thy sentence unto the needy, and unto him whose strength faileth, that is now in the last age, and is vexed with all things, and to him that despaireth, and hath lost patience!3 Fear not the sentence of death, remember them that have been before thee, and that come after; for this is the sentence of the Lord over all flesh.4 And why art thou against the pleasure of the most High? there is no inquisition in the grave, whether thou have lived ten, or an hundred, or a thousand years.5 The children of sinners are abominable children, and they that are conversant in the dwelling of the ungodly.6 The inheritance of sinners' children shall perish, and their posterity shall have a perpetual reproach.7 The children will complain of an ungodly father, because they shall be reproached for his sake.8 Woe be unto you, ungodly men, which have forsaken the law of the most high God! for if ye increase, it shall be to your destruction:9 And if ye be born, ye shall be born to a curse: and if ye die, a curse shall be your portion.10 All that are of the earth shall turn to earth again: so the ungodly shall go from a curse to destruction.11 The mourning of men is about their bodies: but an ill name of sinners shall be blotted out.12 Have regard to thy name; for that shall continue with thee above a thousand great treasures of gold.13 A good life hath but few days: but a good name endureth for ever.14 My children, keep discipline in peace: for wisdom that is hid, and a treasure that is not seen, what profit is in them both?}