Chapter 19 _{16 There is one that slippeth in his speech, but not from his heart; and who is he that hath not offended with his tongue?17 Admonish thy neighbour before thou threaten him; and not being angry, give place to the law of the most High.18 The fear of the Lord is the first step to be accepted [of him,] and wisdom obtaineth his love.19 The knowledge of the commandments of the Lord is the doctrine of life: and they that do things that please him shall receive the fruit of the tree of immortality.20 The fear of the Lord is all wisdom; and in all wisdom is the performance of the law, and the knowledge of his omnipotency.21 If a servant say to his master, I will not do as it pleaseth thee; though afterward he do it, he angereth him that nourisheth him.22 The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom, neither at any time the counsel of sinners prudence.23 There is a wickedness, and the same an abomination; and there is a fool wanting in wisdom.24 He that hath small understanding, and feareth God, is better than one that hath much wisdom, and transgresseth the law of the most High.25 There is an exquisite subtilty, and the same is unjust; and there is one that turneth aside to make judgment appear; and there is a wise man that justifieth in judgment.26 There is a wicked man that hangeth down his head sadly; but inwardly he is full of deceit,27 Casting down his countenance, and making as if he heard not: where he is not known, he will do thee a mischief before thou be aware.28 And if for want of power he be hindered from sinning, yet when he findeth opportunity he will do evil.29 A man may be known by his look, and one that hath understanding by his countenance, when thou meetest him.30 A man's attire, and excessive laughter, and gait, shew what he is.}

Chapter 20 _{1 There is a reproof that is not comely: again, some man holdeth his tongue, and he is wise.2 It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly: and he that confesseth his fault shall be preserved from hurt.3 How good is it, when thou art reproved, to shew repentance! for so shalt thou escape wilful sin.4 As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin; so is he that executeth judgment with violence.5 There is one that keepeth silence, and is found wise: and another by much babbling becometh hateful.6 Some man holdeth his tongue, because he hath not to answer: and some keepeth silence, knowing his time.7 A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but a babbler and a fool will regard no time.8 He that useth many words shall be abhorred; and he that taketh to himself authority therein shall be hated.9 There is a sinner that hath good success in evil things; and there is a gain that turneth to loss.10 There is a gift that shall not profit thee; and there is a gift whose recompence is double.11 There is an abasement because of glory; and there is that lifteth up his head from a low estate.12 There is that buyeth much for a little, and repayeth it sevenfold.13 A wise man by his words maketh him beloved: but the graces of fools shall be poured out.14 The gift of a fool shall do thee no good when thou hast it; neither yet of the envious for his necessity: for he looketh to receive many things for one.15 He giveth little, and upbraideth much; he openeth his mouth like a crier; to day he lendeth, and to morrow will he ask it again: such an one is to be hated of God and man.16 The fool saith, I have no friends, I have no thank for all my good deeds, and they that eat my bread speak evil of me.17 How oft, and of how many shall he be laughed to scorn! for he knoweth not aright what it is to have; and it is all one unto him as if he had it not.18 To slip upon a pavement is better than to slip with the tongue: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.19 An unseasonable tale will always be in the mouth of the unwise.20 A wise sentence shall be rejected when it cometh out of a fool's mouth; for he will not speak it in due season.}