The Children's Bible Part 31

Worry in a man's mind makes it sad, But a kind word makes it happy.

A man's spirit upholds him in sickness, But who can raise up a broken spirit?

A calm mind is the life of the body, But jealousy rots the bones.

A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But by inward sorrow the spirit is broken.

A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING WILLING TO LEARN

The lips of the wise speak knowledge, But the fool does not understand.

A fool's way seems right in his sight, But a wise man listens to advice.

A fool despises his father's correction, But he who regards reproof acts wisely.

Listen to advice and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your later life.

Advice in a man's mind is like deep water, But a man of sense will draw it out.

Hold fast instruction, let it not go; Keep it, for it is your life.

My son, reject not the discipline of the Lord, And do not spurn his reproof, For whom he loves he reproves, Even as a father the son of whom he is fond.

He who rejects correction despises his own self, But he who listens to reproof gains understanding.

HOW TO HONOR YOUR PARENTS

My son, hear the instruction of your father, And forsake not the teaching of your mother; They shall be a crown of beauty for your head, And a necklace about your neck.

Listen to your father who begat you, And despise not your mother when she is old.

He who does what he is told is a wise son.

But he who makes friends of spendthrifts, Brings disgrace on his father.

He who robs father or mother, Saying, "There is no wrong in it,"

Is like him who is a destroyer.

He who curses his father or mother, His lamp shall go out in the blackest of darkness.

A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son despises his mother.

A foolish son is a grief to his father, And brings bitterness to her who bore him.

Be wise, my son, and make glad my heart, That I may answer the one who reproaches me.

Let your father be filled with joy, And let her who bore you rejoice.

THE TROUBLES OF THOSE WHO ARE LAZY

The lazy man says, "A lion is outside!

I shall be killed in the streets!"

As the door turns on its hinges, So the lazy man turns on his bed.

He dips his hand in the dish, But does not bring it to his mouth!

The lazy man is wiser in his own mind, Than seven who can answer intelligently.

The way of the lazy is hedged in with thorns, But the path of the diligent is a well-built highway.

I went by the field of the lazy man, By the vineyard of him who lacked sense, It was all overgrown with thorns, Its surface was covered with nettles, And its stone wall was broken down.

Then I beheld and reflected, I saw and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest, And your poverty comes as a robber, And your want as a well-armed man.

THINGS THAT ARE BETTER THAN RICHES

Better is a poor man who lives uprightly Than one who is dishonest, though he be rich.

Better is a little with righteousness Than great abundance with injustice.

Better is a modest spirit with the humble, Than to divide spoil with the proud.

A good name is better than great riches, More highly valued than silver and gold.

He who trusts in riches shall fail, But the upright flourish like a green leaf.

Toil not that you may become rich; Cease through your own understanding.

Should you set your eyes upon it, it is gone!

For riches fly away, Like an eagle that flies toward heaven.

Better is little with reverence for the Lord Than great treasure and trouble as well.

Two things I ask of thee, O G.o.d, Deny me them not ere I die: Put far from me deceit and lying, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Provide me with the food that I need, That I may not be filled to the full and deny thee, And say, "Who is the Lord?"

Or else be poor and steal, And disgrace the name of my G.o.d.

RIGHT EATING AND DRINKING

If you find honey, eat only what you need, That you may not be too full and be ill.

Wine is a mocker, strong drink makes one quarrelsome, And whoever is misled by it is not wise.

Who cries, "Woe"? who, "Alas"?

Who has quarrels? Who complains?

Who has wounds without cause?

Who has redness of eyes?

They who linger long over wine, They who go in to taste mixed wine.

So look not on wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, And glides down smoothly.

At last it bites like a snake, And stings like an adder.

Then you will see strange things, And your mind will be confused.

You will be like one sleeping at sea, Like one asleep in a violent storm.

"I have been struck, but I feel no pain; I have been beaten, but I know it not.

When shall I awake from my wine?

I will seek it yet again."

THE RIGHT USE OF THE TONGUE

Do you see a man who speaks before he thinks?

There is more hope for a fool than for him.

He who answers before he hears Covers himself with confusion.

He who is sparing of words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of sense.

Even a fool, if he keeps still, is considered wise; Prudent, if he keeps his lips shut.