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¹ A reprover is better than a stiff-necked man: for when the latter is suddenly set on fire, there shall be no remedy.² When the righteous are praised, the people will rejoice: but when the ungodly rule, men mourn.³ When a man loves wisdom, his father rejoices: but he that keeps harlots will waste wealth.⁴ A righteous king establishes a country: but a transgressor destroys it.⁵ He that prepares a net in the way of his own friend, entangles his own feet in it.⁶ A great snare is spread for a sinner: but the righteous shall be in joy and gladness.⁷ A righteous man knows how to judge for the poor: but the ungodly understands not knowledge; and the poor man has not an understanding mind.⁸ Lawless men burn down a city: but wise men turn away wrath.⁹ A wise man shall judge nations: but a worthless man being angry laughs and fears not.

¹⁰ Who shall find a virtuous woman? for such a one is more valuable than precious stones. ¹¹ The heart of her husband trusts in her: such a one shall stand in no need of fine spoils. ¹² For she employs all her living for her husband’s good. ¹³ Gathering wool and flax, she makes it serviceable with her hands. ¹⁴ She is like a ship trading from a distance: so she procures her livelihood. ¹⁵ And she rises by night, and gives food to her household, and appointed tasks to her maidens. ¹⁶ She views a farm, and buys it: and with the fruit of her hands she plants and a possession. ¹⁷ She strongly girds her loins, and strengthens her arms for work. ¹⁸ And she finds by experience that working is good; and her candle goes not out all night. ¹⁹ She reaches forth her arms to needful works, and applies her hands to the spindle. ²⁰ And she opens her hands to the needy, and reaches out fruit to the poor. ²¹ Her husband is not anxious about those at home when he tarries anywhere abroad: for all her household are clothed. ²² She makes for her husband clothes of double texture, and garments for herself of fine linen and scarlet. ²³ And her husband becomes a distinguished person in the gates, when he sits in council with the old inhabitants of the land. ²⁴ She makes fine linens, and sells girdles to the Chananites: she opens her mouth heedfully and with propriety, and controls her tongue. ²⁵ She puts on strength and honour; and rejoices in the last days. ²⁶ But she opens her mouth wisely, and according to law. ²⁷ The ways of her household are careful, and she eats not the bread of idleness. ²⁸ And her kindness to them sets up her children for them, and they grow rich, and her husband praises her. ²⁹ Many daughters have obtained wealth, many have wrought valiantly; but thou hast exceeded, thou hast surpassed all. ³⁰ Charms are false, and woman’s beauty is vain: for it is a wise woman that is blessed, and let her praise the fear the Lord. ³¹ Give her of the fruit of her lips; and let her husband be praised in the gates.