Chapter 21

The thoughts of a king are in the Lord’s hand, streams he can sluice which way he wills.

His own path man scans, and nothing sees amiss, but the divine balance weighs our thoughts.

Mercy shewn and justice done win the Lord’s favour beyond any sacrifice.

Lordly looks, proud heart; the hopes1 of the wicked are all at fault.

Ever diligence plans for plenty; sloth must be content to starve.

Illusion it is and madness, wealth to win by perjury; death has caught thee in his snare.

Wicked men, that refuse the right, by their own violence come to ruin.

Crooked is man’s course, and belies his own nature, but pure souls there are whose life runs true.

Better lodge in a garret than share thy house with a scold.

A godless man has set his heart on ill-doing; no ruth has he for his fellows.

The lash for the reckless, if thou wouldst turn a fool into a wise man; a wise master, and he shall learn yet.

Good heed the just man gives to the sinner’s household, in hope of diverting sinners from harm.

Who shuts his ear to the poor man’s plea, himself one day shall plead in vain.

Carry a secret gift in thy bosom for thy enemy’s appeasing; the open hand no grudge will ever resist.

Right done, honest folk rejoice, and knaves tremble.

Stray from the path thou wast taught, and thou shalt lodge with the dead.

Of greed comes want; he grows not rich that loves wine and oil.

The wicked is still the price of the just man’s ransom; for honest folk, treachery pays the score.

Better dwell in a wilderness than with a scold who rails at thee.

Precious store there is and good cheer where justice dwells;4 the fool devours all at once.

Honest living be thy quest and kindly deeds, life shall be thine, and blessing, and honour.

Wisdom can scale the fortress great warriors hold, and bring low its boasted strength.

Guard lips and tongue, as thou wouldst guard thy life from peril.

I know one, Sir Reckless is the name of him, that is all proud airs, and does nothing but in over-bearing scorn.

Day-dreams are the sluggard’s downfall; work his hands will not;

all day long dreaming and scheming, while honest men never spare themselves, nor take their ease.

Tainted is the sinner’s sacrifice; the hand that offers it is stained with guilt.

The false witness shall meet his doom; obey the commandment, and thy pleadings shall triumph.

The ill-doer has eyes for nothing but his wanton designs; the upright scans well his path.

Wisdom is none, prudence is none, counsel is none that can be matched against the Lord’s will;

well armed thy horse may be on the eve of battle, but the Lord sends victory.