2Mac 10:23
And having good success with his weapons in all things he
took in hand, he slew in the two holds more than twenty
thousand.

2Mac 10:24
Now Timotheus, whom the Jews had overcome before, when he had
gathered a great multitude of foreign forces, and horses out of
Asia not a few, came as though he would take Jewry by force of
arms.

2Mac 10:25
But when he drew near, they that were with Maccabeus turned
themselves to pray unto God, and sprinkled earth upon their
heads, and girded their loins with sackcloth,

2Mac 10:26
And fell down at the foot of the altar, and besought him to
be merciful to them, and to be an enemy to their enemies, and an
adversary to their adversaries, as the law declareth.

2Mac 10:27
So after the prayer they took their weapons, and went on
further from the city: and when they drew near to their enemies,
they kept by themselves.

2Mac 10:28
Now the sun being newly risen, they joined both together; the
one part having together with their virtue their refuge also
unto the Lord for a pledge of their success and victory: the
other side making their rage leader of their battle

2Mac 10:29
But when the battle waxed strong, there appeared unto the
enemies from heaven five comely men upon horses, with bridles of
gold, and two of them led the Jews,

2Mac 10:30
And took Maccabeus betwixt them, and covered him on every
side weapons, and kept him safe, but shot arrows and lightnings
against the enemies: so that being confounded with blindness,
and full of trouble, they were killed.

2Mac 10:31
And there were slain of footmen twenty thousand and five
hundred, and six hundred horsemen.

2Mac 10:32
As for Timotheus himself, he fled into a very strong hold,
called Gawra, where Chereas was governor.

2Mac 10:33
But they that were with Maccabeus laid siege against the
fortress courageously four days.

2Mac 10:34
And they that were within, trusting to the strength of the
place, blasphemed exceedingly, and uttered wicked words.

2Mac 10:35
Nevertheless upon the fifth day early twenty young men of
Maccabeus' company, inflamed with anger because of the
blasphemies, assaulted the wall manly, and with a fierce courage
killed all that they met withal.

2Mac 10:36
Others likewise ascending after them, whiles they were busied
with them that were within, burnt the towers, and kindling fires
burnt the blasphemers alive; and others broke open the gates,
and, having received in the rest of the army, took the city,

2Mac 10:37
And killed Timotheus, that was hid in a certain pit, and
Chereas his brother, with Apollophanes.

2Mac 10:38
When this was done, they praised the Lord with psalms and
thanksgiving, who had done so great things for Israel, and given
them the victory.

2Mac 11:1
Not long after the, Lysias the king's protector and cousin,
who also managed the affairs, took sore displeasure for the
things that were done.

2Mac 11:2
And when he had gathered about fourscore thousand with all
the horsemen, he came against the Jews, thinking to make the
city an habitation of the Gentiles,

2Mac 11:3
And to make a gain of the temple, as of the other chapels of
the heathen, and to set the high priesthood to sale every year:

2Mac 11:4
Not at all considering the power of God but puffed up with
his ten thousands of footmen, and his thousands of horsemen, and
his fourscore elephants.

2Mac 11:5
So he came to Judea, and drew near to Bethsura, which was a
strong town, but distant from Jerusalem about five furlongs, and
he laid sore siege unto it.

2Mac 11:6
Now when they that were with Maccabeus heard that he besieged
the holds, they and all the people with lamentation and tears
besought the Lord that he would send a good angel to deliver
Israel.

2Mac 11:7
Then Maccabeus himself first of all took weapons, exhorting
the other that they would jeopard themselves together with him
to help their brethren: so they went forth together with a
willing mind.

2Mac 11:8
And as they were at Jerusalem, there appeared before them on
horseback one in white clothing, shaking his armour of gold.

2Mac 11:9
Then they praised the merciful God all together, and took
heart, insomuch that they were ready not only to fight with men,
but with most cruel beasts, and to pierce through walls of iron.

2Mac 11:10
Thus they marched forward in their armour, having an helper
from heaven: for the Lord was merciful unto them

2Mac 11:11
And giving a charge upon their enemies like lions, they slew
eleven thousand footmen, and sixteen hundred horsemen, and put
all the other to flight.

2Mac 11:12
Many of them also being wounded escaped naked; and Lysias
himself fled away shamefully, and so escaped.

2Mac 11:13
Who, as he was a man of understanding, casting with himself
what loss he had had, and considering that the Hebrews could not
be overcome, because the Almighty God helped them, he sent unto
them,

2Mac 11:14
And persuaded them to agree to all reasonable conditions, and
promised that he would persuade the king that he must needs be a
friend unto them.

2Mac 11:15
Then Maccabeus consented to all that Lysias desired, being
careful of the common good; and whatsoever Maccabeus wrote unto
Lysias concerning the Jews, the king granted it.

2Mac 11:16
For there were letters written unto the Jews from Lysias to
this effect: Lysias unto the people of the Jews sendeth
greeting:

2Mac 11:17
John and Absolom, who were sent from you, delivered me the
petition subscribed, and made request for the performance of the
contents thereof.

2Mac 11:18
Therefore what things soever were meet to be reported to the
king, I have declared them, and he hath granted as much as might
be.

2Mac 11:19
And if then ye will keep yourselves loyal to the state,
hereafter also will I endeavour to be a means of your good.

2Mac 11:20
But of the particulars I have given order both to these and
the other that came from me, to commune with you.

2Mac 11:21
Fare ye well. The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the
four and twentieth day of the month Dioscorinthius.

2Mac 11:22
Now the king's letter contained these words: King Antiochus
unto his brother Lysias sendeth greeting:

2Mac 11:23
Since our father is translated unto the gods, our will is,
that they that are in our realm live quietly, that every one may
attend upon his own affairs.

2Mac 11:24
We understand also that the Jews would not consent to our
father, for to be brought unto the custom of the Gentiles, but
had rather keep their own manner of living: for the which cause
they require of us, that we should suffer them to live after
their own laws.

2Mac 11:25
Wherefore our mind is, that this nation shall be in rest, and
we have determined to restore them their temple, that they may
live according to the customs of their forefathers.

2Mac 11:26
Thou shalt do well therefore to send unto them, and grant
them peace, that when they are certified of our mind, they may
be of good comfort, and ever go cheerfully about their own
affairs.

2Mac 11:27
And the letter of the king unto the nation of the Jews was
after this manner: King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto the
council, and the rest of the Jews:

2Mac 11:28
If ye fare well, we have our desire; we are also in good
health.

2Mac 11:29
Menelaus declared unto us, that your desire was to return
home, and to follow your own business:

2Mac 11:30
Wherefore they that will depart shall have safe conduct till
the thirtieth day of Xanthicus with security.

2Mac 11:31
And the Jews shall use their own kind of meats and laws, as
before; and none of them any manner of ways shall be molested
for things ignorantly done.

2Mac 11:32
I have sent also Menelaus, that he may comfort you.

2Mac 11:33
Fare ye well. In the hundred forty and eighth year, and the
fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.

2Mac 11:34
The Romans also sent unto them a letter containing these
words: Quintus Memmius and Titus Manlius, ambassadors of the
Romans, send greeting unto the people of the Jews.

2Mac 11:35
Whatsoever Lysias the king's cousin hath granted, therewith
we also are well pleased.

2Mac 11:36
But touching such things as he judged to be referred to the
king, after ye have advised thereof, send one forthwith, that we
may declare as it is convenient for you: for we are now going to
Antioch.

2Mac 11:37
Therefore send some with speed, that we may know what is your
mind.

2Mac 11:38
Farewell. This hundred and eight and fortieth year, the
fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.

2Mac 12:1
When these covenants were made, Lysias went unto the king,
and the Jews were about their husbandry.

2Mac 12:2
But of the governours of several places, Timotheus, and
Apollonius the son of Genneus, also Hieronymus, and Demophon,
and beside them Nicanor the governor of Cyprus, would not suffer
them to be quiet and live in peace.

2Mac 12:3
The men of Joppa also did such an ungodly deed: they prayed
the Jews that dwelt among them to go with their wives and
children into the boats which they had prepared, as though they
had meant them no hurt.

2Mac 12:4
Who accepted of it according to the common decree of the
city, as being desirous to live in peace, and suspecting
nothing: but when they were gone forth into the deep, they
drowned no less than two hundred of them.

2Mac 12:5
When Judas heard of this cruelty done unto his countrymen, he
commanded those that were with him to make them ready.

2Mac 12:6
And calling upon God the righteous Judge, he came against
those murderers of his brethren, and burnt the haven by night,
and set the boats on fire, and those that fled thither he slew.

2Mac 12:7
And when the town was shut up, he went backward, as if he
would return to root out all them of the city of Joppa.

2Mac 12:8
But when he heard that the Jamnites were minded to do in like
manner unto the Jews that dwelt among them,

2Mac 12:9
He came upon the Jamnites also by night, and set fire on the
haven and the navy, so that the light of the fire was seen at
Jerusalem two hundred and forty furlongs off.

2Mac 12:10
Now when they were gone from thence nine furlongs in their
journey toward Timotheus, no fewer than five thousand men on
foot and five hundred horsemen of the Arabians set upon him.

2Mac 12:11
Whereupon there was a very sore battle; but Judas' side by
the help of God got the victory; so that the Nomades of Arabia,
being overcome, besought Judas for peace, promising both to give
him cattle, and to pleasure him otherwise.

2Mac 12:12
Then Judas, thinking indeed that they would be profitable in
many things, granted them peace: whereupon they shook hands, and
so they departed to their tents.

2Mac 12:13
He went also about to make a bridge to a certain strong city,
which was fenced about with walls, and inhabited by people of
divers countries; and the name of it was Caspis.

2Mac 12:14
But they that were within it put such trust in the strength
of the walls and provision of victuals, that they behaved
themselves rudely toward them that were with Judas, railing and
blaspheming, and uttering such words as were not to be spoken.

2Mac 12:15
Wherefore Judas with his company, calling upon the great Lord
of the world, who without rams or engines of war did cast down
Jericho in the time of Joshua, gave a fierce assault against the
walls,

2Mac 12:16
And took the city by the will of God, and made unspeakable
slaughters, insomuch that a lake two furlongs broad near
adjoining thereunto, being filled full, was seen running with
blood.

2Mac 12:17
Then departed they from thence seven hundred and fifty
furlongs, and came to Characa unto the Jews that are called
Tubieni.

2Mac 12:18
But as for Timotheus, they found him not in the places: for
before he had dispatched any thing, he departed from thence,
having left a very strong garrison in a certain hold.

2Mac 12:19
Howbeit Dositheus and Sosipater, who were of Maccabeus'
captains, went forth, and slew those that Timotheus had left in
the fortress, above ten thousand men.

2Mac 12:20
And Maccabeus ranged his army by bands, and set them over the
bands, and went against Timotheus, who had about him an hundred
and twenty thousand men of foot, and two thousand and five
hundred horsemen.

2Mac 12:21
Now when Timotheus had knowledge of Judas' coming, he sent
the women and children and the other baggage unto a fortress
called Carnion: for the town was hard to besiege, and uneasy to
come unto, by reason of the straitness of all the places.

2Mac 12:22
But when Judas his first band came in sight, the enemies,
being smitten with fear and terror through the appearing of him
who seeth all things, fled amain, one running into this way,
another that way, so as that they were often hurt of their own
men, and wounded with the points of their own swords.

2Mac 12:23
Judas also was very earnest in pursuing them, killing those
wicked wretches, of whom he slew about thirty thousand men.

2Mac 12:24
Moreover Timotheus himself fell into the hands of Dositheus
and Sosipater, whom he besought with much craft to let him go
with his life, because he had many of the Jews' parents, and the
brethren of some of them, who, if they put him to death, should
not be regarded.

2Mac 12:25
So when he had assured them with many words that he would
restore them without hurt, according to the agreement, they let
him go for the saving of their brethren.

2Mac 12:26
Then Maccabeus marched forth to Carnion, and to the temple of
Atargatis, and there he slew five and twenty thousand persons.

2Mac 12:27
And after he had put to flight and destroyed them, Judas
removed the host toward Ephron, a strong city, wherein Lysias
abode, and a great multitude of divers nations, and the strong
young men kept the walls, and defended them mightily: wherein
also was great provision of engines and darts.

2Mac 12:28
But when Judas and his company had called upon Almighty God,
who with his power breaketh the strength of his enemies, they
won the city, and slew twenty and five thousand of them that
were within,

2Mac 12:29
From thence they departed to Scythopolis, which lieth six
hundred furlongs from Jerusalem,

2Mac 12:30
But when the Jews that dwelt there had testified that the
Scythopolitans dealt lovingly with them, and entreated them
kindly in the time of their adversity;

2Mac 12:31
They gave them thanks, desiring them to be friendly still
unto them: and so they came to Jerusalem, the feast of the weeks
approaching.

2Mac 12:32
And after the feast, called Pentecost, they went forth
against Gorgias the governor of Idumea,

2Mac 12:33
Who came out with three thousand men of foot and four hundred
horsemen.

2Mac 12:34
And it happened that in their fighting together a few of the
Jews were slain.

2Mac 12:35
At which time Dositheus, one of Bacenor's company, who was on
horseback, and a strong man, was still upon Gorgias, and taking
hold of his coat drew him by force; and when he would have taken
that cursed man alive, a horseman of Thracia coming upon him
smote off his shoulder, so that Gorgias fled unto Marisa.

2Mac 12:36
Now when they that were with Gorgias had fought long, and
were weary, Judas called upon the Lord, that he would shew
himself to be their helper and leader of the battle.

2Mac 12:37
And with that he began in his own language, and sung psalms
with a loud voice, and rushing unawares upon Gorgias' men, he
put them to flight.

2Mac 12:38
So Judas gathered his host, and came into the city of
Odollam, And when the seventh day came, they purified
themselves, as the custom was, and kept the sabbath in the same
place.

2Mac 12:39
And upon the day following, as the use had been, Judas and
his company came to take up the bodies of them that were slain,
and to bury them with their kinsmen in their fathers' graves.

2Mac 12:40
Now under the coats of every one that was slain they found
things consecrated to the idols of the Jamnites, which is
forbidden the Jews by the law. Then every man saw that this was
the cause wherefore they were slain.

2Mac 12:41
All men therefore praising the Lord, the righteous Judge, who
had opened the things that were hid,

2Mac 12:42
Betook themselves unto prayer, and besought him that the sin
committed might wholly be put out of remembrance. Besides, that
noble Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves from sin,
forsomuch as they saw before their eyes the things that came to
pass for the sins of those that were slain.

2Mac 12:43
And when he had made a gathering throughout the company to
the sum of two thousand drachms of silver, he sent it to
Jerusalem to offer a sin offering, doing therein very well and
honestly, in that he was mindful of the resurrection:

2Mac 12:44
For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should have
risen again, it had been superfluous and vain to pray for the
dead.

2Mac 12:45
And also in that he perceived that there was great favour
laid up for those that died godly, it was an holy and good
thought. Whereupon he made a reconciliation for the dead, that
they might be delivered from sin.

2Mac 13:1
In the hundred forty and ninth year it was told Judas, that
Antiochus Eupator was coming with a great power into Judea,

2Mac 13:2
And with him Lysias his protector, and ruler of his affairs,
having either of them a Grecian power of footmen, an hundred and
ten thousand, and horsemen five thousand and three hundred, and
elephants two and twenty, and three hundred chariots armed with
hooks.

2Mac 13:3
Menelaus also joined himself with them, and with great
dissimulation encouraged Antiochus, not for the safeguard of the
country, but because he thought to have been made governor.

2Mac 13:4
But the King of kings moved Antiochus' mind against this
wicked wretch, and Lysias informed the king that this man was
the cause of all mischief, so that the king commanded to bring
him unto Berea, and to put him to death, as the manner is in
that place.

2Mac 13:5
Now there was in that place a tower of fifty cubits high,
full of ashes, and it had a round instrument which on every side
hanged down into the ashes.

2Mac 13:6
And whosoever was condemned of sacrilege, or had committed
any other grievous crime, there did all men thrust him unto
death.

2Mac 13:7
Such a death it happened that wicked man to die, not having
so much as burial in the earth; and that most justly:

2Mac 13:8
For inasmuch as he had committed many sins about the altar,
whose fire and ashes were holy, he received his death in ashes.

2Mac 13:9
Now the king came with a barbarous and haughty mind to do far
worse to the Jews, than had been done in his father's time.

2Mac 13:10
Which things when Judas perceived, he commanded the multitude
to call upon the Lord night and day, that if ever at any other
time, he would now also help them, being at the point to be put
from their law, from their country, and from the holy temple:

2Mac 13:11
And that he would not suffer the people, that had even now
been but a little refreshed, to be in subjection to the
blasphemous nations.

2Mac 13:12
So when they had all done this together, and besought the
merciful Lord with weeping and fasting, and lying flat upon the
ground three days long, Judas, having exhorted them, commanded
they should be in a readiness.

2Mac 13:13
And Judas, being apart with the elders, determined, before
the king's host should enter into Judea, and get the city, to go
forth and try the matter in fight by the help of the Lord.

2Mac 13:14
So when he had committed all to the Creator of the world, and
exhorted his soldiers to fight manfully, even unto death, for
the laws, the temple, the city, the country, and the
commonwealth, he camped by Modin:

2Mac 13:15
And having given the watchword to them that were about him,
Victory is of God; with the most valiant and choice young men he
went in into the king's tent by night, and slew in the camp
about four thousand men, and the chiefest of the elephants, with
all that were upon him.

2Mac 13:16
And at last they filled the camp with fear and tumult, and
departed with good success.

2Mac 13:17
This was done in the break of the day, because the protection
of the Lord did help him.

2Mac 13:18
Now when the king had taken a taste of the manliness of the
Jews, he went about to take the holds by policy,

2Mac 13:19
And marched toward Bethsura, which was a strong hold of the
Jews: but he was put to flight, failed, and lost of his men:

2Mac 13:20
For Judas had conveyed unto them that were in it such things
as were necessary.

2Mac 13:21
But Rhodocus, who was in the Jews' host, disclosed the
secrets to the enemies; therefore he was sought out, and when
they had gotten him, they put him in prison.

2Mac 13:22
The king treated with them in Bethsum the second time, gave
his hand, took their's, departed, fought with Judas, was
overcome;

2Mac 13:23
Heard that Philip, who was left over the affairs in Antioch,
was desperately bent, confounded, intreated the Jews, submitted
himself, and sware to all equal conditions, agreed with them,
and offered sacrifice, honoured the temple, and dealt kindly
with the place,

2Mac 13:24
And accepted well of Maccabeus, made him principal governor
from Ptolemais unto the Gerrhenians;

2Mac 13:25
Came to Ptolemais: the people there were grieved for the
covenants; for they stormed, because they would make their
covenants void:

2Mac 13:26
Lysias went up to the judgment seat, said as much as could be
in defence of the cause, persuaded, pacified, made them well
affected, returned to Antioch. Thus it went touching the king's
coming and departing.

2Mac 14:1
After three years was Judas informed, that Demetrius the son
of Seleucus, having entered by the haven of Tripolis with a
great power and navy,

2Mac 14:2
Had taken the country, and killed Antiochus, and Lysias his
protector.

2Mac 14:3
Now one Alcimus, who had been high priest, and had defiled
himself wilfully in the times of their mingling with the
Gentiles, seeing that by no means he could save himself, nor
have any more access to the holy altar,

2Mac 14:4
Came to king Demetrius in the hundred and one and fiftieth
year, presenting unto him a crown of gold, and a palm, and also
of the boughs which were used solemnly in the temple: and so
that day he held his peace.

2Mac 14:5
Howbeit having gotten opportunity to further his foolish
enterprize, and being called into counsel by Demetrius, and
asked how the Jews stood affected, and what they intended, he
answered thereunto:

2Mac 14:6
Those of the Jews that he called Assideans, whose captain is
Judas Maccabeus, nourish war and are seditious, and will not let
the rest be in peace.

2Mac 14:7
Therefore I, being deprived of mine ancestors' honour, I mean
the high priesthood, am now come hither:

2Mac 14:8
First, verily for the unfeigned care I have of things
pertaining to the king; and secondly, even for that I intend the
good of mine own countrymen: for all our nation is in no small
misery through the unadvised dealing of them aforersaid.

2Mac 14:9
Wherefore, O king, seeing knowest all these things, be
careful for the country, and our nation, which is pressed on
every side, according to the clemency that thou readily shewest
unto all.

2Mac 14:10
For as long as Judas liveth, it is not possible that the
state should be quiet.

2Mac 14:11
This was no sooner spoken of him, but others of the king's
friends, being maliciously set against Judas, did more incense
Demetrius.

2Mac 14:12
And forthwith calling Nicanor, who had been master of the
elephants, and making him governor over Judea, he sent him
forth,

2Mac 14:13
Commanding him to slay Judas, and to scatter them that were
with him, and to make Alcimus high priest of the great temple.

2Mac 14:14
Then the heathen, that had fled out of Judea from Judas, came
to Nicanor by flocks, thinking the harm and calamities ot the
Jews to be their welfare.

2Mac 14:15
Now when the Jews heard of Nicanor's coming, and that the
heathen were up against them, they cast earth upon their heads,
and made supplication to him that had established his people for
ever, and who always helpeth his portion with manifestation of
his presence.

2Mac 14:16
So at the commandment of the captain they removed
straightways from thence, and came near unto them at the town of
Dessau.

2Mac 14:17
Now Simon, Judas' brother, had joined battle with Nicanor,
but was somewhat discomfited through the sudden silence of his
enemies.

2Mac 14:18
Nevertheless Nicanor, hearing of the manliness of them that
were with Judas, and the courageousness that they had to fight
for their country, durst not try the matter by the sword.

2Mac 14:19
Wherefore he sent Posidonius, and Theodotus, and Mattathias,
to make peace.

2Mac 14:20
So when they had taken long advisement thereupon, and the
captain had made the multitude acquainted therewith, and it
appeared that they were all of one mind, they consented to the
covenants,

2Mac 14:21
And appointed a day to meet in together by themselves: and
when the day came, and stools were set for either of them,

2Mac 14:22
Ludas placed armed men ready in convenient places, lest some
treachery should be suddenly practised by the enemies: so they
made a peaceable conference.

2Mac 14:23
Now Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no hurt, but sent
away the people that came flocking unto him.

2Mac 14:24
And he would not willingly have Judas out of his sight: for
he love the man from his heart

2Mac 14:25
He prayed him also to take a wife, and to beget children: so
he married, was quiet, and took part of this life.

2Mac 14:26
But Alcimus, perceiving the love that was betwixt them, and
considering the covenants that were made, came to Demetrius, and
told him that Nicanor was not well affected toward the state;
for that he had ordained Judas, a traitor to his realm, to be
the king's successor.

2Mac 14:27
Then the king being in a rage, and provoked with the
accusations of the most wicked man, wrote to Nicanor, signifying
that he was much displeased with the covenants, and commanding
him that he should send Maccabeus prisoner in all haste unto
Antioch.

2Mac 14:28
When this came to Nicanor's hearing, he was much confounded
in himself, and took it grievously that he should make void the
articles which were agreed upon, the man being in no fault.

2Mac 14:29
But because there was no dealing against the king, he watched
his time to accomplish this thing by policy.

2Mac 14:30
Notwithstanding, when Maccabeus saw that Nicanor began to be
churlish unto him, and that he entreated him more roughly than
he was wont, perceiving that such sour behaviour came not of
good, he gathered together not a few of his men, and withdrew
himself from Nicanor.

2Mac 14:31
But the other, knowing that he was notably prevented by
Judas' policy, came into the great and holy temple, and
commanded the priests, that were offering their usual
sacrifices, to deliver him the man.

2Mac 14:32
And when they sware that they could not tell where the man
was whom he sought,

2Mac 14:33
He stretched out his right hand toward the temple, and made
an oath in this manner: If ye will not deliver me Judas as a
prisoner, I will lay this temple of God even with the ground,
and I will break down the altar, and erect a notable temple unto
Bacchus.

2Mac 14:34
After these words he departed. Then the priests lifted up
their hands toward heaven, and besought him that was ever a
defender of their nation, saying in this manner;

2Mac 14:35
Thou, O Lord of all things, who hast need of nothing, wast
pleased that the temple of thine habitation should be among us:

2Mac 14:36
Therefore now, O holy Lord of all holiness, keep this house
ever undefiled, which lately was cleansed, and stop every
unrighteous mouth.

2Mac 14:37
Now was there accused unto Nicanor one Razis, one of the
elders of Jerusalem, a lover of his countrymen, and a man of
very good report, who for his kindness was called a father of
the Jews.

2Mac 14:38
For in the former times, when they mingled not themselves
with the Gentiles, he had been accused of Judaism, and did
boldly jeopard his body and life with all vehemency for the
religion of the Jews.

2Mac 14:39
So Nicanor, willing to declare the hate that he bare unto the
Jews, sent above five hundred men of war to take him:

2Mac 14:40
For he thought by taking him to do the Jews much hurt.

2Mac 14:41
Now when the multitude would have taken the tower, and
violently broken into the outer door, and bade that fire should
be brought to burn it, he being ready to be taken on every side
fell upon his sword;

2Mac 14:42
Choosing rather to die manfully, than to come into the hands
of the wicked, to be abused otherwise than beseemed his noble
birth:

2Mac 14:43
But missing his stroke through haste, the multitude also
rushing within the doors, he ran boldly up to the wall, and cast
himself down manfully among the thickest of them.

2Mac 14:44
But they quickly giving back, and a space being made, he fell
down into the midst of the void place.

2Mac 14:45
Nevertheless, while there was yet breath within him, being
inflamed with anger, he rose up; and though his blood gushed out
like spouts of water, and his wounds were grievous, yet he ran
through the midst of the throng; and standing upon a steep rock,

2Mac 14:46
When as his blood was now quite gone, he plucked out his
bowels, and taking them in both his hands, he cast them upon the
throng, and calling upon the Lord of life and spirit to restore
him those again, he thus died.

2Mac 15:1
But Nicanor, hearing that Judas and his company were in the
strong places about Samaria, resolved without any danger to set
upon them on the sabbath day.

2Mac 15:2
Nevertheless the Jews that were compelled to go with him
said, O destroy not so cruelly and barbarously, but give honour
to that day, which he, that seeth all things, hath honoured with
holiness above all other days.

2Mac 15:3
Then the most ungracious wretch demanded, if there were a
Mighty one in heaven, that had commanded the sabbath day to be
kept.

2Mac 15:4
And when they said, There is in heaven a living Lord, and
mighty, who commanded the seventh day to be kept:

2Mac 15:5
Then said the other, And I also am mighty upon earth, and I
command to take arms, and to do the king's business. Yet he
obtained not to have his wicked will done.

2Mac 15:6
So Nicanor in exceeding pride and haughtiness determined to
set up a publick monument of his victory over Judas and them
that were with him.

2Mac 15:7
But Maccabeus had ever sure confidence that the Lord would
help him:

2Mac 15:8
Wherefore he exhorted his people not to fear the coming of
the heathen against them, but to remember the help which in
former times they had received from heaven, and now to expect
the victory and aid, which should come unto them from the
Almighty.

2Mac 15:9
And so comforting them out of the law and the prophets, and
withal putting them in mind of the battles that they won afore,
he made them more cheerful.

2Mac 15:10
And when he had stirred up their minds, he gave them their
charge, shewing them therewithall the falsehood of the heathen,
and the breach of oaths.

2Mac 15:11
Thus he armed every one of them, not so much with defence of
shields and spears, as with comfortable and good words: and
beside that, he told them a dream worthy to be believed, as if
it had been so indeed, which did not a little rejoice them.

2Mac 15:12
And this was his vision: That Onias, who had been high
priest, a virtuous and a good man, reverend in conversation,
gentle in condition, well spoken also, and exercised from a
child in all points of virtue, holding up his hands prayed for
the whole body of the Jews.

2Mac 15:13
This done, in like manner there appeared a man with gray
hairs, and exceeding glorious, who was of a wonderful and
excellent majesty.

2Mac 15:14
Then Onias answered, saying, This is a lover of the brethren,
who prayeth much for the people, and for the holy city, to wit,
Jeremias the prophet of God.

2Mac 15:15
Whereupon Jeremias holding forth his right hand gave to Judas
a sword of gold, and in giving it spake thus,

2Mac 15:16
Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with the which thou
shalt wound the adversaries.

2Mac 15:17
Thus being well comforted by the words of Judas, which were
very good, and able to stir them up to valour, and to encourage
the hearts of the young men, they determined not to pitch camp,
but courageously to set upon them, and manfully to try the
matter by conflict, because the city and the sanctuary and the
temple were in danger.

2Mac 15:18
For the care that they took for their wives, and their
children, their brethren, and folks, was in least account with
them: but the greatest and principal fear was for the holy
temple.

2Mac 15:19
Also they that were in the city took not the least care,
being troubled for the conflict abroad.

2Mac 15:20
And now, when as all looked what should be the trial, and the
enemies were already come near, and the army was set in array,
and the beasts conveniently placed, and the horsemen set in
wings,

2Mac 15:21
Maccabeus seeing the coming of the multitude, and the divers
preparations of armour, and the fierceness of the beasts,
stretched out his hands toward heaven, and called upon the Lord
that worketh wonders, knowing that victory cometh not by arms,
but even as it seemeth good to him, he giveth it to such as are
worthy:

2Mac 15:22
Therefore in his prayer he said after this manner; O Lord,
thou didst send thine angel in the time of Ezekias king of
Judea, and didst slay in the host of Sennacherib an hundred
fourscore and five thousand:

2Mac 15:23
Wherefore now also, O Lord of heaven, send a good angel
before us for a fear and dread unto them;

2Mac 15:24
And through the might of thine arm let those be stricken with
terror, that come against thy holy people to blaspheme. And he
ended thus.

2Mac 15:25
Then Nicanor and they that were with him came forward with
trumpets and songs.

2Mac 15:26
But Judas and his company encountered the enemies with
invocation and prayer.

2Mac 15:27
So that fighting with their hands, and praying unto God
with their hearts, they slew no less than thirty
and five thousand men: for through the appearance of God they
were greatly cheered.

2Mac 15:28
Now when the battle was done, returning again with joy, they
knew that Nicanor lay dead in his harness.

2Mac 15:29
Then they made a great shout and a noise, praising the
Almighty in their own language.

2Mac 15:30
And Judas, who was ever the chief defender of the citizens
both in body and mind, and who continued his love toward his
countrymen all his life, commanded to strike off Nicanor's head,
and his hand with his shoulder, and bring them to Jerusalem.

2Mac 15:31
So when he was there, and called them of his nation together,
and set the priests before the altar, he sent for them that were
of the tower,

2Mac 15:32
And shewed them vile Nicanor's head, and the hand of that
blasphemer, which with proud brags he had stretched out against
the holy temple of the Almighty.

2Mac 15:33
And when he had cut out the tongue of that ungodly Nicanor,
he commanded that they should give it by pieces unto the fowls,
and hang up the reward of his madness before the temple.

2Mac 15:34
So every man praised toward the heaven the glorious Lord,
saying, Blessed be he that hath kept his own place undefiled.

2Mac 15:35
He hanged also Nicanor's head upon the tower, an evident and
manifest sign unto all of the help of the Lord.

2Mac 15:36
And they ordained all with a common decree in no case to let
that day pass without solemnity, but to celebrate the thirtieth
day of the twelfth month, which in the Syrian tongue is called
Adar, the day before Mardocheus' day.

2Mac 15:37
Thus went it with Nicanor: and from that time forth the
Hebrews had the city in their power. And here will I make an
end.

2Mac 15:38
And if I have done well, and as is fitting the story, it is
that which I desired: but if slenderly and meanly, it is that
which I could attain unto.

2Mac 15:39
For as it is hurtful to drink wine or water alone; and as
wine mingled with water is pleasant, and delighteth the taste:
even so speech finely framed delighteth the ears of them that
read the story. And here shall be an end.




The Book of Tobit



Tob 1:1
The book of the words of Tobit, son of Tobiel, the son of
Ananiel, the son of Aduel, the son of Gabael, of the seed of
Asael, of the tribe of Nephthali;

Tob 1:2
Who in the time of Enemessar king of the Assyrians was led
captive out of Thisbe, which is at the right hand of that city,
which is called properly Nephthali in Galilee above Aser.

Tob 1:3
I Tobit have walked all the days of my life in the ways of
truth and justice, and I did many almsdeeds to my brethren, and
my nation, who came with me to Nineve, into the land of the
Assyrians.

Tob 1:4
And when I was in mine own country, in the land of Israel
being but young, all the tribe of Nephthali my father fell from
the house of Jerusalem, which was chosen out of all the tribes
of Israel, that all the tribes should sacrifice there, where the
temple of the habitation of the most High was consecrated and
built for all ages.

Tob 1:5
Now all the tribes which together revolted, and the house of
my father Nephthali, sacrificed unto the heifer Baal.

Tob 1:6
But I alone went often to Jerusalem at the feasts, as it was
ordained unto all the people of Israel by an everlasting decree,
having the firstfruits and tenths of increase, with that which
was first shorn; and them gave I at the altar to the priests the
children of Aaron.

Tob 1:7
The first tenth part of all increase I gave to the sons of
Aaron, who ministered at Jerusalem: another tenth part I sold
away, and went, and spent it every year at Jerusalem:

Tob 1:8
And the third I gave unto them to whom it was meet, as Debora
my father's mother had commanded me, because I was left an
orphan by my father.

Tob 1:9
Furthermore, when I was come to the age of a man, I married
Anna of mine own kindred, and of her I begat Tobias.

Tob 1:10
And when we were carried away captives to Nineve, all my
brethren and those that were of my kindred did eat of the bread
of the Gentiles.

Tob 1:11
But I kept myself from eating;

Tob 1:12
Because I remembered God with all my heart.

Tob 1:13
And the most High gave me grace and favour before Enemessar,
so that I was his purveyor.

Tob 1:14
And I went into Media, and left in trust with Gabael, the
brother of Gabrias, at Rages a city of Media ten talents of
silver.

Tob 1:15
Now when Enemessar was dead, Sennacherib his son reigned in
his stead; whose estate was troubled, that I could not go into
Media.

Tob 1:16
And in the time of Enemessar I gave many alms to my brethren,
and gave my bread to the hungry,

Tob 1:17
And my clothes to the naked: and if I saw any of my nation
dead, or cast about the walls of Nineve, I buried him.

Tob 1:18
And if the king Sennacherib had slain any, when he was come,
and fled from Judea, I buried them privily; for in his wrath he
killed many; but the bodies were not found, when they were
sought for of the king.

Tob 1:19
And when one of the Ninevites went and complained of me to
the king, that I buried them, and hid myself; understanding that
I was sought for to be put to death, I withdrew myself for fear.

Tob 1:20
Then all my goods were forcibly taken away, neither was there
any thing left me, beside my wife Anna and my son Tobias.

Tob 1:21
And there passed not five and fifty days, before two of his
sons killed him, and they fled into the mountains of Ararath;
and Sarchedonus his son reigned in his stead; who appointed over
his father's accounts, and over all his affairs, Achiacharus my
brother Anael's son.

Tob 1:22
And Achiacharus intreating for me, I returned to Nineve. Now
Achiacharus was cupbearer, and keeper of the signet, and
steward, and overseer of the accounts: and Sarchedonus appointed
him next unto him: and he was my brother's son.

Tob 2:1
Now when I was come home again, and my wife Anna was restored
unto me, with my son Tobias, in the feast of Pentecost, which is
the holy feast of the seven weeks, there was a good dinner
prepared me, in the which I sat down to eat.

Tob 2:2
And when I saw abundance of meat, I said to my son, Go and
bring what poor man soever thou shalt find out of our brethren,
who is mindful of the Lord; and, lo, I tarry for thee.

Tob 2:3
But he came again, and said, Father, one of our nation is
strangled, and is cast out in the marketplace.

Tob 2:4
Then before I had tasted of any meat, I started up, and took
him up into a room until the going down of the sun.

Tob 2:5
Then I returned, and washed myself, and ate my meat in
heaviness,

Tob 2:6
Remembering that prophecy of Amos, as he said, Your feasts
shall be turned into mourning, and all your mirth into
lamentation.

Tob 2:7
Therefore I wept: and after the going down of the sun I went
and made a grave, and buried him.

Tob 2:8
But my neighbours mocked me, and said, This man is not yet
afraid to be put to death for this matter: who fled away; and
yet, lo, he burieth the dead again.

Tob 2:9
The same night also I returned from the burial, and slept by
the wall of my courtyard, being polluted and my face was
uncovered:

Tob 2:10
And I knew not that there were sparrows in the wall, and mine
eyes being open, the sparrows muted warm dung into mine eyes,
and a whiteness came in mine eyes: and I went to the physicians,
but they helped me not: moreover Achiacharus did nourish me,
until I went into Elymais.

Tob 2:11
And my wife Anna did take women's works to do.

Tob 2:12
And when she had sent them home to the owners, they paid her
wages, and gave her also besides a kid.

Tob 2:13
And when it was in my house, and began to cry, I said unto
her, From whence is this kid? is it not stolen? render it to the
owners; for it is not lawful to eat any thing that is stolen.

Tob 2:14
But she replied upon me, It was given for a gift more than
the wages. Howbeit I did not believe her, but bade her render it
to the owners: and I was abashed at her. But she replied upon
me, Where are thine alms and thy righteous deeds? behold, thou
and all thy works are known.

Tob 3:1
Then I being grieved did weep, and in my sorrow prayed,
saying,

Tob 3:2
O Lord, thou art just, and all thy works and all thy ways are
mercy and truth, and thou judgest truly and justly for ever.

Tob 3:3
Remember me, and look on me, punish me not for my sins and
ignorances, and the sins of mg fathers, who have sinned before
thee:

Tob 3:4
For they obeyed not thy commandments: wherefore thou hast
delivered us for a spoil, and unto captivity, and unto death,
and for a proverb of reproach to all the nations among whom we
are dispersed.

Tob 3:5
And now thy judgments are many and true: deal with me
according to my sins and my fathers': because we have not kept
thy commandments, neither have walked in truth before thee.

Tob 3:6
Now therefore deal with me as seemeth best unto thee, and
command my spirit to be taken from me, that I may be dissolved,
and become earth: for it is profitable for me to die rather than
to live, because I have heard false reproaches, and have much
sorrow: command therefore that I may now be delivered out of
this distress, and go into the everlasting place: turn not thy
face away from me.

Tob 3:7
It came to pass the same day, that in Ecbatane a city of
Media Sara the daughter of Raguel was also reproached by her
father's maids;

Tob 3:8
Because that she had been married to seven husbands, whom
Asmodeus the evil spirit had killed, before they had lain with
her. Dost thou not know, said they, that thou hast strangled
thine husbands? thou hast had already seven husbands, neither
wast thou named after any of them.

Tob 3:9
Wherefore dost thou beat us for them? if they be dead, go thy
ways after them, let us never see of thee either son or
daughter.

Tob 3:10
Whe she heard these things, she was very sorrowful, so that
she thought to have strangled herself; and she said, I am the
only daughter of my father, and if I do this, it shall be a
reproach unto him, and I shall bring his old age with sorrow
unto the grave.

Tob 3:11
Then she prayed toward the window, and said, Blessed art
thou, O Lord my God, and thine holy and glorious name is blessed
and honourable for ever: let all thy works praise thee for
ever.

Tob 3:12
And now, O Lord, I set I mine eyes and my face toward thee,

Tob 3:13
And say, Take me out of the earth, that I may hear no more
the reproach.

Tob 3:14
Thou knowest, Lord, that I am pure from all sin with man,

Tob 3:15
And that I never polluted my name, nor the name of my father,
in the land of my captivity: I am the only daughter of my
father, neither hath he any child to be his heir, neither any
near kinsman, nor any son of his alive, to whom I may keep
myself for a wife: my seven husbands are already dead; and why
should I live? but if it please not thee that I should die,
command some regard to be had of me, and pity taken of me, that
I hear no more reproach.

Tob 3:16
So the prayers of them both were heard before the majesty of
the great God.

Tob 3:17
And Raphael was sent to heal them both, that is, to scale
away the whiteness of Tobit's eyes, and to give Sara the
daughter of Raguel for a wife to Tobias the son of Tobit; and to
bind Asmodeus the evil spirit; because she belonged to Tobias by
right of inheritance. The selfsame time came Tobit home, and
entered into his house, and Sara the daughter of Raguel came
down from her upper chamber.

Tob 4:1
In that day Tobit remembered the money which he had committed
to Gabael in Rages of Media,

Tob 4:2
And said with himself, I have wished for death; wherefore do
I not call for my son Tobias that I may signify to him of the
money before I die?

Tob 4:3
And when he had called him, he said, My son, when I am dead,
bury me; and despise not thy mother, but honour her all the days
of thy life, and do that which shall please her, and grieve her
not.

Tob 4:4
Remember, my son, that she saw many dangers for thee, when
thou wast in her womb: and when she is dead, bury her by me in
one grave.

Tob 4:5
My son, be mindful of the Lord our God all thy days, and let
not thy will be set to sin, or to transgress his commandments:
do uprightly all thy life long, and follow not the ways of
unrighteousness.

Tob 4:6
For if thou deal truly, thy doings shall prosperously succeed
to thee, and to all them that live justly.

Tob 4:7
Give alms of thy substance; and when thou givest alms, let
not thine eye be envious, neither turn thy face from any poor,
and the face of God shall not be turned away from thee.

Tob 4:8
If thou hast abundance give alms accordingly: if thou have
but a little, be not afraid to give according to that little:

Tob 4:9
For thou layest up a good treasure for thyself against the
day of necessity.

Tob 4:10
Because that alms do deliver from death, and suffereth not to
come into darkness.

Tob 4:11
For alms is a good gift unto all that give it in the sight of
the most High.

Tob 4:12
Beware of all whoredom, my son, and chiefly take a wife of
the seed of thy fathers, and take not a strange woman to wife,
which is not of thy father's tribe: for we are the children of
the prophets, Noe, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: remember, my son,
that our fathers from the beginning, even that they all married
wives of their own kindred, and were blessed in their children,
and their seed shall inherit the land.

Tob 4:13
Now therefore, my son, love thy brethren, and despise not in
thy heart thy brethren, the sons and daughters of thy people, in
not taking a wife of them: for in pride is destruction and much
trouble, and in lewdness is decay and great want: for lewdness
is the mother of famine.

Tob 4:14
Let not the wages of any man, which hath wrought for thee,
tarry with thee, but give him it out of hand: for if thou serve
God, he will also repay thee: be circumspect my son, in all
things thou doest, and be wise in all thy conversation.

Tob 4:15
Do that to no man which thou hatest: drink not wine to make
thee drunken: neither let drunkenness go with thee in thy
journey.

Tob 4:16
Give of thy bread to the hungry, and of thy garments to them
that are naked; and according to thine abundance give alms: and
let not thine eye be envious, when thou givest alms.

Tob 4:17
Pour out thy bread on the burial of the just, but give
nothing to the wicked.

Tob 4:18
Ask counsel of all that are wise, and despise not any counsel
that is profitable.

Tob 4:19
Bless the Lord thy God alway, and desire of him that thy ways
may be directed, and that all thy paths and counsels may
prosper: for every nation hath not counsel; but the Lord himself
giveth all good things, and he humbleth whom he will, as he
will; now therefore, my son, remember my commandments, neither
let them be put out of thy mind.

Tob 4:20
And now I signify this to they that I committed ten talents
to Gabael the son of Gabrias at Rages in Media.

Tob 4:21
And fear not, my son, that we are made poor: for thou hast
much wealth, if thou fear God, and depart from all sin, and do
that which is pleasing in his sight.

Tob 5:1
Tobias then answered and said, Father, I will do all things
which thou hast commanded me:

Tob 5:2
But how can I receive the money, seeing I know him not?

Tob 5:3
Then he gave him the handwriting, and said unto him, Seek
thee a man which may go with thee, whiles I yet live, and I will
give him wages: and go and receive the money.

Tob 5:4
Therefore when he went to seek a man, he found Raphael that
was an angel.

Tob 5:5
But he knew not; and he said unto him, Canst thou go with me
to Rages? and knowest thou those places well?

Tob 5:6
To whom the angel said, I will go with thee, and I know the
way well: for I have lodged with our brother Gabael.

Tob 5:7
Then Tobias said unto him, Tarry for me, till I tell my
father.

Tob 5:8
Then he said unto him, Go and tarry not. So he went in and
said to his father, Behold, I have found one which will go with
me. Then he said, Call him unto me, that I may know of what
tribe he is, and whether he be a trusty man to go with thee.

Tob 5:9
So he called him, and he came in, and they saluted one
another.

Tob 5:10
Then Tobit said unto him, Brother, shew me of what tribe and
family thou art.

Tob 5:11
To whom he said, Dost thou seek for a tribe or family, or an
hired man to go with thy son? Then Tobit said unto him, I would
know, brother, thy kindred and name.

Tob 5:12
Then he said, I am Azarias, the son of Ananias the great, and
of thy brethren.

Tob 5:13
Then Tobit said, Thou art welcome, brother; be not now angry
with me, because I have enquired to know thy tribe and thy
family; for thou art my brother, of an honest and good stock:
for I know Ananias and Jonathas, sons of that great Samaias, as
we went together to Jerusalem to worship, and offered the
firstborn, and the tenths of the fruits; and they were not
seduced with the error of our brethren: my brother, thou art of
a good stock.

Tob 5:14
But tell me, what wages shall I give thee? wilt thou a drachm
a day, and things necessary, as to mine own son?

Tob 5:15
Yea, moreover, if ye return safe, I will add something to thy
wages.

Tob 5:16
So they were well pleased. Then said he to Tobias, Prepare
thyself for the journey, and God send you a good journey. And
when his son had prepared all things far the journey, his father
said, Go thou with this man, and God, which dwelleth in heaven,
prosper your journey, and the angel of God keep you company. So
they went forth both, and the young man's dog with them.

Tob 5:17
But Anna his mother wept, and said to Tobit, Why hast thou
sent away our son? is he not the staff of our hand, in going in
and out before us?

Tob 5:18
Be not greedy to add money to money: but let it be as refuse
in respect of our child.

Tob 5:19
For that which the Lord hath given us to live with doth
suffice us.

Tob 5:20
Then said Tobit to her, Take no care, my sister; he shall
return in safety, and thine eyes shall see him.

Tob 5:21
For the good angel will keep him company, and his journey
shall be prosperous, and he shall return safe.

Tob 5:22
Then she made an end of weeping.

Tob 6:1
And as they went on their journey, they came in the evening
to the river Tigris, and they lodged there.

Tob 6:2
And when the young man went down to wash himself, a fish
leaped out of the river, and would have devoured him.

Tob 6:3
Then the angel said unto him, Take the fish. And the young
man laid hold of the fish, and drew it to land.

Tob 6:4
To whom the angel said, Open the fish, and take the heart and
the liver and the gall, and put them up safely.

Tob 6:5
So the young man did as the angel commanded him; and when
they had roasted the fish, they did eat it: then they both went
on their way, till they drew near to Ecbatane.

Tob 6:6
Then the young man said to the angel, Brother Azarias, to
what use is the heart and the liver and the gal of the fish?

Tob 6:7
And he said unto him, Touching the heart and the liver, if a
devil or an evil spirit trouble any, we must make a smoke
thereof before the man or the woman, and the party shall be no
more vexed.

Tob 6:8
As for the gall, it is good to anoint a man that hath
whiteness in his eyes, and he shall be healed.

Tob 6:9
And when they were come near to Rages,

Tob 6:10
The angel said to the young man, Brother, to day we shall
lodge with Raguel, who is thy cousin; he also hath one only
daughter, named Sara; I will speak for her, that she may be
given thee for a wife.

Tob 6:11
For to thee doth the right of her appertain, seeing thou only
art of her kindred.

Tob 6:12
And the maid is fair and wise: now therefore hear me, and I
will speak to her father; and when we return from Rages we will
celebrate the marriage: for I know that Raguel cannot marry her
to another according to the law of Moses, but he shall be guilty
of death, because the right of inheritance doth rather appertain
to thee than to any other.

Tob 6:13
Then the young man answered the angel, I have heard, brother
Azarias that this maid hath been given to seven men, who all
died in the marriage chamber.

Tob 6:14
And now I am the only son of my father, and I am afraid, lest
if I go in unto her, I die, as the other before: for a wicked
spirit loveth her, which hurteth no body, but those which come
unto her; wherefore I also fear lest I die, and bring my
father's and my mother's life because of me to the grave with
sorrow: for they have no other son to bury them.

Tob 6:15
Then the angel said unto him, Dost thou not remember the
precepts which thy father gave thee, that thou shouldest marry a
wife of thine own kindred? wherefore hear me, O my brother; for
she shall be given thee to wife; and make thou no reckoning of
the evil spirit; for this same night shall she be given thee in
marriage.

Tob 6:16
And when thou shalt come into the marriage chamber, thou
shalt take the ashes of perfume, and shalt lay upon them some of
the heart and liver of the fish, and shalt make a smoke with it:

Tob 6:17
And the devil shall smell it, and flee away, and never come
again any more: but when thou shalt come to her, rise up both of
you, and pray to God which is merciful, who will have pity on
you, and save you: fear not, for she is appointed unto thee from
the beginning; and thou shalt preserve her, and she shall go
with thee. Moreover I suppose that she shall bear thee children.
Now when Tobias had heard these things, he loved her, and his
heart was effectually joined to her.

Tob 7:1
And when they were come to Ecbatane, they came to the house
of Raguel, and Sara met them: and after they had saluted one
another, she brought them into the house.

Tob 7:2
Then said Raguel to Edna his wife, How like is this young man
to Tobit my cousin!

Tob 7:3
And Raguel asked them, From whence are ye, brethren? To whom
they said, We are of the sons of Nephthalim, which are captives
in Nineve.

Tob 7:4
Then he said to them, Do ye know Tobit our kinsman? And they
said, We know him. Then said he, Is he in good health?

Tob 7:5
And they said, He is both alive, and in good health: and
Tobias said, He is my father.

Tob 7:6
Then Raguel leaped up, and kissed him, and wept,

Tob 7:7
And blessed him, and said unto him, Thou art the son of an
honest and good man. But when he had heard that Tobit was blind,
he was sorrowful, and wept.

Tob 7:8
And likewise Edna his wife and Sara his daughter wept.
Moreover they entertained them cheerfully; and after that they
had killed a ram of the flock, they set store of meat on the
table. Then said Tobias to Raphael, Brother Azarias, speak of
those things of which thou didst talk in the way, and let this
business be dispatched.

Tob 7:9
So he communicated the matter with Raguel: and Raguel said to
Tobias, Eat and drink, and make merry:

Tob 7:10
For it is meet that thou shouldest marry my daughter:
nevertheless I will declare unto thee the truth.

Tob 7:11
I have given my daughter in marriage te seven men, who died
that night they came in unto her: nevertheless for the present
be merry. But Tobias said, I will eat nothing here, till we
agree and swear one to another.

Tob 7:12
Raguel said, Then take her from henceforth according to the
manner, for thou art her cousin, and she is thine, and the
merciful God give you good success in all things.

Tob 7:13
Then he called his daughter Sara, and she came to her father,
and he took her by the hand, and gave her to be wife to Tobias,
saying, Behold, take her after the law of Moses, and lead her
away to thy father. And he blessed them;

Tob 7:14
And called Edna his wife, and took paper, and did write an
instrument of covenants, and sealed it.

Tob 7:15
Then they began to eat.

Tob 7:16
After Raguel called his wife Edna, and said unto her, Sister,
prepare another chamber, and bring her in thither.

Tob 7:17
Which when she had done as he had bidden her, she brought her
thither: and she wept, and she received the tears of her
daughter, and said unto her,

Tob 7:18
Be of good comfort, my daughter; the Lord of heaven and earth
give thee joy for this thy sorrow: be of good comfort, my
daughter.

Tob 8:1
And when they had supped, they brought Tobias in unto her.

Tob 8:2
And as he went, he remembered the words of Raphael, and took
the ashes of the perfumes, and put the heart and the liver of
the fish thereupon, and made a smoke therewith.

Tob 8:3
The which smell when the evil spirit had smelled, he fled
into the utmost parts of Egypt, and the angel bound him.

Tob 8:4
And after that they were both shut in together, Tobias rose
out of the bed, and said, Sister, arise, and let us pray that
God would have pity on us.

Tob 8:5
Then began Tobias to say, Blessed art thou, O God of our
fathers, and blessed is thy holy and glorious name for ever; let
the heavens bless thee, and all thy creatures.

Tob 8:6
Thou madest Adam, and gavest him Eve his wife for an helper
and stay: of them came mankind: thou hast said, It is not good
that man should be alone; let us make unto him an aid like unto
himself.

Tob 8:7
And now, O Lord, I take not this my sister for lush but
uprightly: therefore mercifully ordain that we may become aged
together.

Tob 8:8
And she said with him, Amen.

Tob 8:9
So they slept both that night. And Raguel arose, and went and
made a grave,

Tob 8:10
Saying, I fear lest he also be dead.

Tob 8:11
But when Raguel was come into his house,

Tob 8:12
He said unto his wife Edna. Send one of the maids, and let
her see whether he be alive: if he be not, that we may bury him,
and no man know it.

Tob 8:13
So the maid opened the door, and went in, and found them both
asleep,

Tob 8:14
And came forth, and told them that he was alive.

Tob 8:15
Then Raguel praised God, and said, O God, thou art worthy to
be praised with all pure and holy praise; therefore let thy
saints praise thee with all thy creatures; and let all thine
angels and thine elect praise thee for ever.

Tob 8:16
Thou art to be praised, for thou hast made me joyful; and
that is not come to me which I suspected; but thou hast dealt
with us according to thy great mercy.

Tob 8:17
Thou art to be praised because thou hast had mercy of two
that were the only begotten children of their fathers: grant
them mercy, O Lord, and finish their life in health with joy and
mercy.

Tob 8:18
Then Raguel bade his servants to fill the grave.

Tob 8:19
And he kept the wedding feast fourteen days.

Tob 8:20
For before the days of the marriage were finished, Raguel had
said unto him by an oath, that he should not depart till the
fourteen days of the marriage were expired;

Tob 8:21
And then he should take the half of his goods, and go in
safety to his father; and should have the rest when I and my
wife be dead.

Tob 9:1
Then Tobias called Raphael, and said unto him,

Tob 9:2
Brother Azarias, take with thee a servant, and two camels,
and go to Rages of Media to Gabael, and bring me the money, and
bring him to the wedding.

Tob 9:3
For Raguel hath sworn that I shall not depart.

Tob 9:4
But my father counteth the days; and if I tarry long, he will
be very sorry.

Tob 9:5
So Raphael went out, and lodged with Gabael, and gave him the
handwriting: who brought forth bags which were sealed up, and
gave them to him.

Tob 9:6
And early in the morning they went forth both together, and
came to the wedding: and Tobias blessed his wife.

Tob 10:1
Now Tobit his father counted every day: and when the days of
the journey were expired, and they came not,

Tob 10:2
Then Tobit said, Are they detained? or is Gabael dead, and
there is no man to give him the money?

Tob 10:3
Therefore he was very sorry.

Tob 10:4
Then his wife said unto him, My son is dead, seeing he
stayeth long; and she began to wail him, and said,

Tob 10:5
Now I care for nothing, my son, since I have let thee go, the
light of mine eyes.

Tob 10:6
To whom Tobit said, Hold thy peace, take no care, for he is
safe.

Tob 10:7
But she said, Hold thy peace, and deceive me not; my son is
dead. And she went out every day into the way which they went,
and did eat no meat on the daytime, and ceased not whole nights
to bewail her son Tobias, until the fourteen days of the wedding
were expired, which Raguel had sworn that he should spend there.
Then Tobias said to Raguel, Let me go, for my father and my
mother look no more to see me.

Tob 10:8
But his father in law said unto him, Tarry with me, and I
will send to thy father, and they shall declare unto him how
things go with thee.

Tob 10:9
But Tobias said, No; but let me go to my father.

Tob 10:10
Then Raguel arose, and gave him Sara his wife, and half his
goods, servants, and cattle, and money:

Tob 10:11
And he blessed them, and sent them away, saying, The God of
heaven give you a prosperous journey, my children.

Tob 10:12
And he said to his daughter, Honour thy father and thy mother
in law, which are now thy parents, that I may hear good report
of thee. And he kissed her. Edna also said to Tobias, The Lord
of heaven restore thee, my dear brother, and grant that I may
see thy children of my daughter Sara before I die, that I may
rejoice before the Lord: behold, I commit my daughter unto thee
of special trust; where are do not entreat her evil.

Tob 11:1
After these things Tobias went his way, praising God that he
had given him a prosperous journey, and blessed Raguel and Edna
his wife, and went on his way till they drew near unto Nineve.

Tob 11:2
Then Raphael said to Tobias, Thou knowest, brother, how thou
didst leave thy father:

Tob 11:3
Let us haste before thy wife, and prepare the house.

Tob 11:4
And take in thine hand the gall of the fish. So they went
their way, and the dog went after them.

Tob 11:5
Now Anna sat looking about toward the way for her son.

Tob 11:6
And when she espied him coming, she said to his father,
Behold, thy son cometh, and the man that went with him.

Tob 11:7
Then said Raphael, I know, Tobias, that thy father will open
his eyes.

Tob 11:8
Therefore anoint thou his eyes with the gall, and being
pricked therewith, he shall rub, and the whiteness shall fall
away, and he shall see thee.

Tob 11:9
Then Anna ran forth, and fell upon the neck of her son, and
said unto him, Seeing I have seen thee, my son, from henceforth
I am content to die. And they wept both.

Tob 11:10
Tobit also went forth toward the door, and stumbled: but his
son ran unto him,

Tob 11:11
And took hold of his father: and he strake of the gall on his
fathers' eyes, saying, Be of good hope, my father.

Tob 11:12
And when his eyes began to smart, he rubbed them;

Tob 11:13
And the whiteness pilled away from the corners of his eyes:
and when he saw his son, he fell upon his neck.

Tob 11:14
And he wept, and said, Blessed art thou, O God, and blessed
is thy name for ever; and blessed are all thine holy angels:

Tob 11:15
For thou hast scourged, and hast taken pity on me: for,
behold, I see my son Tobias. And his son went in rejoicing, and
told his father the great things that had happened to him in
Media.

Tob 11:16
Then Tobit went out to meet his daughter in law at the gate
of Nineve, rejoicing and praising God: and they which saw him go
marvelled, because he had received his sight.

Tob 11:17
But Tobias gave thanks before them, because God had mercy on
him. And when he came near to Sara his daughter in law, he
blessed her, saying, Thou art welcome, daughter: God be blessed,
which hath brought thee unto us, and blessed be thy father and
thy mother. And there was joy among all his brethren which were
at Nineve.

Tob 11:18
And Achiacharus, and Nasbas his brother's son, came:

Tob 11:19
And Tobias' wedding was kept seven days with great joy.

Tob 12:1
Then Tobit called his son Tobias, and said unto him, My son,
see that the man have his wages, which went with thee, and thou
must give him more.

Tob 12:2
And Tobias said unto him, O father, it is no harm to me to
give him half of those things which I have brought:

Tob 12:3
For he hath brought me again to thee in safety, and made
whole my wife, and brought me the money, and likewise healed
thee.

Tob 12:4
Then the old man said, It is due unto him.

Tob 12:5
So he called the angel, and he said unto him, Take half of
all that ye have brought and go away in safety.

Tob 12:6
Then he took them both apart, and said unto them, Bless God,
praise him, and magnify him, and praise him for the things which
he hath done unto you in the sight of all that live. It is good
to praise God, and exalt his name, and honourably to shew forth
the works of God; therefore be not slack to praise him.

Tob 12:7
It is good to keep close the secret of a king, but it is
honourable to reveal the works of God. Do that which is good,
and no evil shall touch you.

Tob 12:8
Prayer is good with fasting and alms and righteousness. A
little with righteousness is better than much with
unrighteousness. It is better to give alms than to lay up gold:

Tob 12:9
For alms doth deliver from death, and shall purge away all
sin. Those that exercise alms and righteousness shall be filled
with life:

Tob 12:10
But they that sin are enemies to their own life.

Tob 12:11
Surely I will keep close nothing from you. For I said, It was
good to keep close the secret of a king, but that it was
honourable to reveal the works of God.

Tob 12:12
Now therefore, when thou didst pray, and Sara thy daughter in
law, I did bring the remembrance of your prayers before the Holy
One: and when thou didst bury the dead, I was with thee
likewise.

Tob 12:13
And when thou didst not delay to rise up, and leave thy
dinner, to go and cover the dead, thy good deed was not hid from
me: but I was with thee.

Tob 12:14
And now God hath sent me to heal thee and Sara thy daughter
in law.

Tob 12:15
I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels, which present the
prayers of the saints, and which go in and out before the glory
of the Holy One.

Tob 12:16
Then they were both troubled, and fell upon their faces: for
they feared.

Tob 12:17
But he said unto them, Fear not, for it shall go well with
you; praise God therefore.

Tob 12:18
For not of any favour of mine, but by the will of our God I
came; wherefore praise him for ever.

Tob 12:19
All these days I did appear unto you; but I did neither eat
nor drink, but ye did see a vision.

Tob 12:20
Now therefore give God thanks: for I go up to him that sent
me; but write all things which are done in a book.

Tob 12:21
And when they arose, they saw him no more.

Tob 12:22
Then they confessed the great and wonderful works of God, and
how the angel of the Lord had appeared unto them.

Tob 13:1
Then Tobit wrote a prayer of rejoicing, and said, Blessed be
God that liveth for ever, and blessed be his kingdom.

Tob 13:2
For he doth scourge, and hath mercy: he leadeth down to hell,
and bringeth up again: neither is there any that can avoid his
hand.

Tob 13:3
Confess him before the Gentiles, ye children of Israel: for
he hath scattered us among them.

Tob 13:4
There declare his greatness, and extol him before all the
living: for he is our Lord, and he is the God our Father for
ever.

Tob 13:5
And he will scourge us for our iniquities, and will have
mercy again, and will gather us out of all nations, among whom
he hath scattered us.

Tob 13:6
If ye turn to him with your whole heart, and with your whole
mind, and deal uprightly before him, then will he turn unto you,
and will not hide his face from you. Therefore see what he will
do with you, and confess him with your whole mouth, and praise
the Lord of might, and extol the everlasting King. In the land
of my captivity do I praise him, and declare his might and
majesty to a sinful nation. O ye sinners, turn and do justice
before him: who can tell if he will accept you, and have mercy
on you?

Tob 13:7
I will extol my God, and my soul shall praise the King of
heaven, and shall rejoice in his greatness.

Tob 13:8
Let all men speak, and let all praise him for his
righteousness.

Tob 13:9
O Jerusalem, the holy city, he will scourge thee for thy
children's works, and will have mercy again on the sons of the
righteous.

Tob 13:10
Give praise to the Lord, for he is good: and praise the
everlasting King, that his tabernacle may be builded in thee
again with joy, and let him make joyful there in thee those that
are captives, and love in thee for ever those that are
miserable.

Tob 13:11
Many nations shall come from far to the name of the Lord God
with gifts in their hands, even gifts to the King of heaven; all
generations shall praise thee with great joy.

Tob 13:12
Cursed are all they which hate thee, and blessed shall all be
which love thee for ever.

Tob 13:13
Rejoice and be glad for the children of the just: for they
shall be gathered together, and shall bless the Lord of the
just.

Tob 13:14
O blessed are they which love thee, for they shall rejoice in
thy peace: blessed are they which have been sorrowful for all
thy scourges; for they shall rejoice for thee, when they have
seen all thy glory, and shall be glad for ever.

Tob 13:15
Let my soul bless God the great King.

Tob 13:16
For Jerusalem shall be built up with sapphires and emeralds,
and precious stone: thy walls and towers and battlements with
pure gold.

Tob 13:17
And the streets of Jerusalem shall be paved with beryl and
carbuncle and stones of Ophir.

Tob 13:18
And all her streets shall say, Alleluia; and they shall
praise him, saying, Blessed be God, which hath extolled it for
ever.

Tob 14:1
So Tobit made an end of praising God.

Tob 14:2
And he was eight and fifty years old when he lost his sight,
which was restored to him after eight years: and he gave alms,
and he increased in the fear of the Lord God, and praised him.

Tob 14:3
And when he was very aged he called his son, and the sons of
his son, and said to him, My son, take thy children; for,
behold, I am aged, and am ready to depart out of this life.

Tob 14:4
Go into Media my son, for I surely believe those things which
Jonas the prophet spake of Nineve, that it shall be overthrown;
and that for a time peace shall rather be in Media; and that our
brethren shall lie scattered in the earth from that good land:
and Jerusalem shall be desolate, and the house of God in it
shall be burned, and shall be desolate for a time;

Tob 14:5
And that again God will have mercy on them, and bring them
again into the land, where they shall build a temple, but not
like to the first, until the time of that age be fulfilled; and
afterward they shall return from all places of their captivity,
and build up Jerusalem gloriously, and the house of God shall be
built in it for ever with a glorious building, as the prophets
have spoken thereof.

Tob 14:6
And all nations shall turn, and fear the Lord God truly, and
shall bury their idols.

Tob 14:7
So shall all nations praise the Lord, and his people shall
confess God, and the Lord shall exalt his people; and all those
which love the Lord God in truth and justice shall rejoice,
shewing mercy to our brethren.

Tob 14:8
And now, my son, depart out of Nineve, because that those
things which the prophet Jonas spake shall surely come to pass.

Tob 14:9
But keep thou the law and the commandments, and shew thyself
merciful and just, that it may go well with thee.

Tob 14:10
And bury me decently, and thy mother with me; but tarry no
longer at Nineve. Remember, my son, how Aman handled Achiacharus
that brought him up, how out of light he brought him into
darkness, and how he rewarded him again: yet Achiacharus was
saved, but the other had his reward: for he went down into
darkness. Manasses gave alms, and escaped the snares of death
which they had set for him: but Aman fell into the snare, and
perished.

Tob 14:11
Wherefore now, my son, consider what alms doeth, and how
righteousness doth deliver. When he had said these things, he
gave up the ghost in the bed, being an hundred and eight and
fifty years old; and he buried him honourably.

Tob 14:12
And when Anna his mother was dead, he buried her with his
father. But Tobias departed with his wife and children to
Ecbatane to Raguel his father in law,

Tob 14:13
Where he became old with honour, and he buried his father and
mother in law honourably, and he inherited their substance, and
his father Tobit's.

Tob 14:14
And he died at Ecbatane in Media, being an hundred and seven
and twenty years old.

Tob 14:15
But before he died he heard of the destruction of Nineve,
which was taken by Nabuchodonosor and Assuerus: and before his
death he rejoiced over Nineve.




The Book of Judith



Jdt 1:1
In the twelfth year of the reign of Nabuchodonosor, who
reigned in Nineve, the great city; in the days of Arphaxad,
which reigned over the Medes in Ecbatane,

Jdt 1:2
And built in Ecbatane walls round about of stones hewn three
cubits broad and six cubits long, and made the height of the
wall seventy cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits:

Jdt 1:3
And set the towers thereof upon the gates of it an hundred
cubits high, and the breadth thereof in the foundation
threescore cubits:

Jdt 1:4
And he made the gates thereof, even gates that were raised to
the height of seventy cubits, and the breadth of them was forty
cubits, for the going forth of his mighty armies, and for the
setting in array of his footmen:

Jdt 1:5
Even in those days king Nabuchodonosor made war with king
Arphaxad in the great plain, which is the plain in the borders
of Ragau.

Jdt 1:6
And there came unto him all they that dwelt in the hill
country, and all that dwelt by Euphrates, and Tigris and
Hydaspes, and the plain of Arioch the king of the Elymeans, and
very many nations of the sons of Chelod, assembled themselves to
the battle.

Jdt 1:7
Then Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians sent unto all that
dwelt in Persia, and to all that dwelt westward, and to those
that dwelt in Cilicia, and Damascus, and Libanus, and
Antilibanus, and to all that dwelt upon the sea coast,

Jdt 1:8
And to those among the nations that were of Carmel, and
Galaad, and the higher Galilee, and the great plain of Esdrelom,

Jdt 1:9
And to all that were in Samaria and the cities thereof, and
beyond Jordan unto Jerusalem, and Betane, and Chelus, and Kades,
and the river of Egypt, and Taphnes, and Ramesse, and all the
land of Gesem,

Jdt 1:10
Until ye come beyond Tanis and Memphis, and to all the
inhabitants of Egypt, until ye come to the borders of Ethiopia.

Jdt 1:11
But all the inhabitants of the land made light of the
commandment of Nabuchodonosor king of the Assyrians, neither
went they with him to the battle; for they were not afraid of
him: yea, he was before them as one man, and they sent away his
ambassadors from them without effect, and with disgrace.

Jdt 1:12
Therefore Nabuchodonosor was very angry with all this
country, and sware by his throne and kingdom, that he would
surely be avenged upon all those coasts of Cilicia, and
Damascus, and Syria, and that he would slay with the sword all
the inhabitants of the land of Moab, and the children of Ammon,
and all Judea, and all that were in Egypt, till ye come to the
borders of the two seas.

Jdt 1:13
Then he marched in battle array with his power against king
Arphaxad in the seventeenth year, and he prevailed in his
battle: for he overthrew all the power of Arphaxad, and all his
horsemen, and all his chariots,

Jdt 1:14
And became lord of his cities, and came unto Ecbatane, and
took the towers, and spoiled the streets thereof, and turned the
beauty thereof into shame.

Jdt 1:15
He took also Arphaxad in the mountains of Ragau, and smote
him through with his darts, and destroyed him utterly that day.

Jdt 1:16
So he returned afterward to Nineve, both he and all his
company of sundry nations being a very great multitude of men of
war, and there he took his ease, and banqueted, both he and his
army, an hundred and twenty days.

Jdt 2:1
And in the eighteenth year, the two and twentieth day of the
first month, there was talk in the house of Nabuchodonosor king
of the Assyrians that he should, as he said, avenge himself on
all the earth.

Jdt 2:2
So he called unto him all his officers, and all his nobles,
and communicated with them his secret counsel, and concluded the
afflicting of the whole earth out of his own mouth.

Jdt 2:3
Then they decreed to destroy all flesh, that did not obey the
commandment of his mouth.

Jdt 2:4
And when he had ended his counsel, Nabuchodonosor king of the
Assyrians called Holofernes the chief captain of his army, which
was next unto him, and said unto him.

Jdt 2:5
Thus saith the great king, the lord of the whole earth,
Behold, thou shalt go forth from my presence, and take with thee
men that trust in their own strength, of footmen an hundred and
twenty thousand; and the number of horses with their riders
twelve thousand.

Jdt 2:6
And thou shalt go against all the west country, because they
disobeyed my commandment.

Jdt 2:7
And thou shalt declare unto that they prepare for me earth
and water: for I will go forth in my wrath against them and will
cover the whole face of the earth with the feet of mine army,
and I will give them for a spoil unto them:

Jdt 2:8
So that their slain shall fill their valleys and brooks and
the river shall be filled with their dead, till it overflow:

Jdt 2:9
And I will lead them captives to the utmost parts of all the
earth.

Jdt 2:10
Thou therefore shalt go forth. and take beforehand for me all
their coasts: and if they will yield themselves unto thee, thou
shalt reserve them for me till the day of their punishment.

Jdt 2:11
But concerning them that rebel, let not thine eye spare them;
but put them to the slaughter, and spoil them wheresoever thou
goest.

Jdt 2:12
For as I live, and by the power of my kingdom, whatsoever I
have spoken, that will I do by mine hand.

Jdt 2:13
And take thou heed that thou transgress none of the
commandments of thy lord, but accomplish them fully, as I have
commanded thee, and defer not to do them.

Jdt 2:14
Then Holofernes went forth from the presence of his lord, and
called ail the governors and captains, and the officers of the
army of Assur;

Jdt 2:15
And he mustered the chosen men for the battle, as his lord
had commanded him, unto an hundred and twenty thousand, and
twelve thousand archers on horseback;

Jdt 2:16
And he ranged them, as a great army is ordered for the war.

Jdt 2:17
And he took camels and asses for their carriages, a very
great number; and sheep and oxen and goats without number for
their provision:

Jdt 2:18
And plenty of victual for every man of the army, and very
much gold and silver out of the king's house.

Jdt 2:19
Then he went forth and all his power to go before king
Nabuchodonosor in the voyage, and to cover all the face of the
earth westward with their chariots, and horsemen, and their
chosen footmen.

Jdt 2:20
A great number also sundry countries came with them like
locusts, and like the sand of the earth: for the multitude was
without number.

Jdt 2:21
And they went forth of Nineve three days' journey toward the
plain of Bectileth, and pitched from Bectileth near the mountain
which is at the left hand of the upper Cilicia.

Jdt 2:22
Then he took all his army, his footmen, and horsemen and
chariots, and went from thence into the hill country;

Jdt 2:23
And destroyed Phud and Lud, and spoiled all the children of
Rasses, and the children of Israel, which were toward the
wilderness at the south of the land of the Chellians.

Jdt 2:24
Then he went over Euphrates, and went through Mesopotamia,
and destroyed all the high cities that were upon the river
Arbonai, till ye come to the sea.

Jdt 2:25
And he took the borders of Cilicia, and killed all that
resisted him, and came to the borders of Japheth, which were
toward the south, over against Arabia.

Jdt 2:26
He compassed also all the children of Madian, and burned up
their tabernacles, and spoiled their sheepcotes.

Jdt 2:27
Then he went down into the plain of Damascus in the time of
wheat harvest, and burnt up all their fields, and destroyed
their flocks and herds, also he spoiled their cities, and
utterly wasted their countries, and smote all their young men
with the edge of the sword.

Jdt 2:28
Therefore the fear and dread of him fell upon all the
inhabitants of the sea coasts, which were in Sidon and Tyrus,
and them that dwelt in Sur and Ocina, and all that dwelt in
Jemnaan; and they that dwelt in Azotus and Ascalon feared him
greatly.

Jdt 3:1
So they sent ambassadors unto him to treat of peace, saying,

Jdt 3:2
Behold, we the servants of Nabuchodonosor the great king lie
before thee; use us as shall be good in thy sight.

Jdt 3:3
Behold, our houses, and all our places, and all our fields of
wheat, and flocks, and herds, and all the lodges of our tents
lie before thy face; use them as it pleaseth thee.

Jdt 3:4
Behold, even our cities and the inhabitants thereof are thy
servants; come and deal with them as seemeth good unto thee.

Jdt 3:5
So the men came to Holofernes, and declared unto him after
this manner.

Jdt 3:6
Then came he down toward the sea coast, both he and his army,
and set garrisons in the high cities, and took out of them
chosen men for aid.

Jdt 3:7
So they and all the country round about received them with
garlands, with dances, and with timbrels.

Jdt 3:8
Yet he did cast down their frontiers, and cut down their
groves: for he had decreed to destroy all the gods of the land,
that all nations should worship Nabuchodonosor only, and that
all tongues and tribes should call upon him as god.

Jdt 3:9
Also he came over against Esdraelon near unto Judea, over
against the great strait of Judea.

Jdt 3:10
And he pitched between Geba and Scythopolis, and there he
tarried a whole month, that he might gather together all the
carriages of his army.

Jdt 4:1
Now the children of Israel, that dwelt in Judea, heard all
that Holofernes the chief captain of Nabuchodonosor king of the
Assyrians had done to the nations, and after what manner he had
spoiled all their temples, and brought them to nought.

Jdt 4:2
Therefore they were exceedingly afraid of him, and were
troubled for Jerusalem, and for the temple of the Lord their God:

Jdt 4:3
For they were newly returned from the captivity, and all the
people of Judea were lately gathered together: and the vessels,
and the altar, and the house, were sanctified after the
profanation.

Jdt 4:4
Therefore they sent into all the coasts of Samaria, and the
villages and to Bethoron, and Belmen, and Jericho, and to Choba,
and Esora, and to the valley of Salem:

Jdt 4:5
And possessed themselves beforehand of all the tops of the
high mountains, and fortified the villages that were in them,
and laid up victuals for the provision of war: for their fields
were of late reaped.

Jdt 4:6
Also Joacim the high priest, which was in those days in
Jerusalem, wrote to them that dwelt in Bethulia, and
Betomestham, which is over against Esdraelon toward the open
country, near to Dothaim,

Jdt 4:7
Charging them to keep the passages of the hill country: for
by them there was an entrance into Judea, and it was easy to
stop them that would come up, because the passage was straight,
for two men at the most.

Jdt 4:8
And the children of Israel did as Joacim the high priest had
commanded them, with the ancients of all the people of Israel,
which dwelt at Jerusalem.

Jdt 4:9
Then every man of Israel cried to God with great fervency,
and with great vehemency did they humble their souls:

Jdt 4:10
Both they, and their wives and their children, and their
cattle, and every stranger and hireling, and their servants
bought with money, put sackcloth upon their loins.

Jdt 4:11
Thus every man and women, and the little children, and the
inhabitants of Jerusalem, fell before the temple, and cast ashes
upon their heads, and spread out their sackcloth before the face
of the Lord: also they put sackcloth about the altar,

Jdt 4:12
And cried to the God of Israel all with one consent
earnestly, that he would not give their children for a prey, and
their wives for a spoil, and the cities of their inheritance to
destruction, and the sanctuary to profanation and reproach, and
for the nations to rejoice at.

Jdt 4:13
So God heard their prayers, and looked upon their
afflictions: for the people fasted many days in all Judea and
Jerusalem before the sanctuary of the Lord Almighty.

Jdt 4:14
And Joacim the high priest, and all the priests that stood
before the Lord, and they which ministered unto the Lord, had
their loins girt with sackcloth, and offered the daily burnt
offerings, with the vows and free gifts of the people,

Jdt 4:15
And had ashes on their mitres, and cried unto the Lord with
all their power, that he would look upon all the house of Israel
graciously.

Jdt 5:1
Then was it declared to Holofernes, the chief captain of the
army of Assur, that the children of Israel had prepared for war,
and had shut up the passages of the hill country, and had
fortified all the tops of the high hills and had laid
impediments in the champaign countries:

Jdt 5:2
Wherewith he was very angry, and called all the princes of
Moab, and the captains of Ammon, and all the governors of the
sea coast,

Jdt 5:3
And he said unto them, Tell me now, ye sons of Chanaan, who
this people is, that dwelleth in the hill country, and what are
the cities that they inhabit, and what is the multitude of their
army, and wherein is their power and strength, and what king is
set over them, or captain of their army;

Jdt 5:4
And why have they determined not to come and meet me, more
than all the inhabitants of the west.

Jdt 5:5
Then said Achior, the captain of all the sons of Ammon, Let
my lord now hear a word from the mouth of thy servant, and I
will declare unto thee the truth concerning this people, which
dwelleth near thee, and inhabiteth the hill countries: and there
shall no lie come out of the mouth of thy servant.

Jdt 5:6
This people are descended of the Chaldeans:

Jdt 5:7
And they sojourned heretofore in Mesopotamia, because they
would not follow the gods of their fathers, which were in the
land of Chaldea.

Jdt 5:8
For they left the way of their ancestors, and worshipped the
God of heaven, the God whom they knew: so they cast them out
from the face of their gods, and they fled into Mesopotamia, and
sojourned there many days.

Jdt 5:9
Then their God commanded them to depart from the place where
they sojourned, and to go into the land of Chanaan: where they
dwelt, and were increased with gold and silver, and with very
much cattle.

Jdt 5:10
But when a famine covered all the land of Chanaan, they went
down into Egypt, and sojourned there, while they were nourished,
and became there a great multitude, so that one could not number
their nation.

Jdt 5:11
Therefore the king of Egypt rose up against them, and dealt
subtilly with them, and brought them low with labouring in
brick, and made them slaves.

Jdt 5:12
Then they cried unto their God, and he smote all the land of
Egypt with incurable plagues: so the Egyptians cast them out of
their sight.

Jdt 5:13
And God dried the Red sea before them,

Jdt 5:14
And brought them to mount Sina, and Cades-Barne, and cast
forth all that dwelt in the wilderness.

Jdt 5:15
So they dwelt in the land of the Amorites, and they destroyed
by their strength all them of Esebon, and passing over Jordan
they possessed all the hill country.

Jdt 5:16
And they cast forth before them the Chanaanite, the
Pherezite, the Jebusite, and the Sychemite, and all the
Gergesites, and they dwelt in that country many days.

Jdt 5:17
And whilst they sinned not before their God, they prospered,
because the God that hateth iniquity was with them.

Jdt 5:18
But when they departed from the way which he appointed them,
they were destroyed in many battles very sore, and were led
captives into a land that was not their's, and the temple of
their God was cast to the ground, and their cities were taken by
the enemies.

Jdt 5:19
But now are they returned to their God, and are come up from
the places where they were scattered, and have possessed
Jerusalem, where their sanctuary is, and are seated in the hill
country; for it was desolate.

Jdt 5:20
Now therefore, my lord and governor, if there be any error
against this people, and they sin against their God, let us
consider that this shall be their ruin, and let us go up, and we
shall overcome them.

Jdt 5:21
But if there be no iniquity in their nation, let my lord now
pass by, lest their Lord defend them, and their God be for them,
and we become a reproach before all the world.

Jdt 5:22
And when Achior had finished these sayings, all the people
standing round about the tent murmured, and the chief men of
Holofernes, and all that dwelt by the sea side, and in Moab,
spake that he should kill him.

Jdt 5:23
For, say they, we will not be afraid of the face of the
children of Israel: for, lo, it is a people that have no
strength nor power for a strong battle

Jdt 5:24
Now therefore, lord Holofernes, we will go up, and they shall
be a prey to be devoured of all thine army.

Jdt 6:1
And when the tumult of men that were about the council was
ceased, Holofernes the chief captain of the army of Assur said
unto Achior and all the Moabites before all the company of other
nations,

Jdt 6:2
And who art thou, Achior, and the hirelings of Ephraim, that
thou hast prophesied against us as to day, and hast said, that
we should not make war with the people of Israel, because their
God will defend them? and who is God but Nabuchodonosor?

Jdt 6:3
He will send his power, and will destroy them from the face
of the earth, and their God shall not deliver them: but we his
servants will destroy them as one man; for they are not able to
sustain the power of our horses.

Jdt 6:4
For with them we will tread them under foot, and their
mountains shall be drunken with their blood, and their fields
shall be filled with their dead bodies, and their footsteps
shall not be able to stand before us, for they shall utterly
perish, saith king Nabuchodonosor, lord of all the earth: for he
said, None of my words shall be in vain.

Jdt 6:5
And thou, Achior, an hireling of Ammon, which hast spoken
these words in the day of thine iniquity, shalt see my face no
more from this day, until I take vengeance of this nation that
came out of Egypt.

Jdt 6:6
And then shall the sword of mine army, and the multitude of
them that serve me, pass through thy sides, and thou shalt fall
among their slain, when I return.

Jdt 6:7
Now therefore my servants shall bring thee back into the hill
country, and shall set thee in one of the cities of the
passages:

Jdt 6:8
And thou shalt not perish, till thou be destroyed with them.

Jdt 6:9
And if thou persuade thyself in thy mind that they shall be
taken, let not thy countenance fall: I have spoken it, and none
of my words shall be in vain.

Jdt 6:10
Then Holofernes commanded his servants, that waited in his
tent, to take Achior, and bring him to Bethulia, and deliver him
into the hands of the children of Israel.

Jdt 6:11
So his servants took him, and brought him out of the camp
into the plain, and they went from the midst of the plain into
the hill country, and came unto the fountains that were under
Bethulia.

Jdt 6:12
And when the men of the city saw them, they took up their
weapons, and went out of the city to the top of the hill: and
every man that used a sling kept them from coming up by casting
of stones against them.

Jdt 6:13
Nevertheless having gotten privily under the hill, they bound
Achior, and cast him down, and left him at the foot of the hill,
and returned to their lord.

Jdt 6:14
But the Israelites descended from their city, and came unto
him, and loosed him, and brought him to Bethulia, and presented
him to the governors of the city:

Jdt 6:15
Which were in those days Ozias the son of Micha, of the tribe
of Simeon, and Chabris the son of Gothoniel, and Charmis the son
of Melchiel.

Jdt 6:16
And they called together all the ancients of the city, and
all their youth ran together, and their women, to the assembly,
and they set Achior in the midst of all their people. Then Ozias
asked him of that which was done.

Jdt 6:17
And he answered and declared unto them the words of the
council of Holofernes, and all the words that he had spoken in
the midst of the princes of Assur, and whatsoever Holofernes had
spoken proudly against the house of Israel.

Jdt 6:18
Then the people fell down and worshipped God, and cried unto
God. saying,

Jdt 6:19
O Lord God of heaven, behold their pride, and pity the low
estate of our nation, and look upon the face of those that are
sanctified unto thee this day.

Jdt 6:20
Then they comforted Achior, and praised him greatly.

Jdt 6:21
And Ozias took him out of the assembly unto his house, and
made a feast to the elders; and they called on the God of Israel
all that night for help.

Jdt 7:1
The next day Holofernes commanded all his army, and all his
people which were come to take his part, that they should remove
their camp against Bethulia, to take aforehand the ascents of
the hill country, and to make war against the children of
Israel.

Jdt 7:2
Then their strong men removed their camps in that day, and
the army of the men of war was an hundred and seventy thousand
footmen, and twelve thousand horsemen, beside the baggage, and
other men that were afoot among them, a very great multitude.

Jdt 7:3
And they camped in the valley near unto Bethulia, by the
fountain, and they spread themselves in breadth over Dothaim
even to Belmaim, and in length from Bethulia unto Cynamon, which
is over against Esdraelon.

Jdt 7:4
Now the children of Israel, when they saw the multitude of
them, were greatly troubled, and said every one to his
neighbour, Now will these men lick up the face of the earth; for
neither the high mountains, nor the valleys, nor the hills, are
able to bear their weight.

Jdt 7:5
Then every man took up his weapons of war, and when they had
kindled fires upon their towers, they remained and watched all
that night.

Jdt 7:6
But in the second day Holofernes brought forth all his
horsemen in the sight of the children of Israel which were in
Bethulia,

Jdt 7:7
And viewed the passages up to the city, and came to the
fountains of their waters, and took them, and set garrisons of
men of war over them, and he himself removed toward his people.

Jdt 7:8
Then came unto him all the chief of the children of Esau, and
all the governors of the people of Moab, and the captains of the
sea coast, and said,

Jdt 7:9
Let our lord now hear a word, that there be not an overthrow
in thine army.

Jdt 7:10
For this people of the children of Israel do not trust in
their spears, but in the height of the mountains wherein they
dwell, because it is not easy to come up to the tops of their
mountains.

Jdt 7:11
Now therefore, my lord, fight not against them in battle
array, and there shall not so much as one man of thy people
perish.

Jdt 7:12
Remain in thy camp, and keep all the men of thine army, and
let thy servants get into their hands the fountain of water,
which issueth forth of the foot of the mountain:

Jdt 7:13
For all the inhabitants of Bethulia have their water thence;
so shall thirst kill them, and they shall give up their city,
and we and our people shall go up to the tops of the mountains
that are near, and will camp upon them, to watch that none go
out of the city.

Jdt 7:14
So they and their wives and their children shall be consumed
with fire, and before the sword come against them, they shall be
overthrown in the streets where they dwell.

Jdt 7:15
Thus shalt thou render them an evil reward; because they
rebelled, and met not thy person peaceably.

Jdt 7:16
And these words pleased Holofernes and all his servants, and
he appointed to do as they had spoken.

Jdt 7:17
So the camp of the children of Ammon departed, and with them
five thousand of the Assyrians, and they pitched in the valley,
and took the waters, and the fountains of the waters of the
children of Israel.

Jdt 7:18
Then the children of Esau went up with the children of Ammon,
and camped in the hill country over against Dothaim: and they
sent some of them toward the south, and toward the east over
against Ekrebel, which is near unto Chusi, that is upon the
brook Mochmur; and the rest of the army of the Assyrians camped
in the plain, and covered the face of the whole land; and their
tents and carriages were pitched to a very great multitude.

Jdt 7:19
Then the children of Israel cried unto the Lord their God,
because their heart failed, for all their enemies had compassed
them round about, and there was no way to escape out from among
them.

Jdt 7:20
Thus all the company of Assur remained about them, both their
footmen, chariots, and horsemen, four and thirty days, so that
all their vessels of water failed all the inhibitants of
Bethulia.

Jdt 7:21
And the cisterns were emptied, and they had not water to
drink their fill for one day; for they gave them drink by
measure.

Jdt 7:22
Therefore their young children were out of heart, and their
women and young men fainted for thirst, and fell down in the
streets of the city, and by the passages of the gates, and there
was no longer any strength in them.

Jdt 7:23
Then all the people assembled to Ozias, and to the chief of
the city, both young men, and women, and children, and cried
with a loud voice, and said before all the elders,

Jdt 7:24
God be judge between us and you: for ye have done us great
injury, in that ye have not required peace of the children of
Assur.

Jdt 7:25
For now we have no helper: but God hath sold us into their
hands, that we should be thrown down before them with thirst and
great destruction.

Jdt 7:26
Now therefore call them unto you, and deliver the whole city
for a spoil to the people of Holofernes, and to all his army.

Jdt 7:27
For it is better for us to be made a spoil unto them, than to
die for thirst: for we will be his servants, that our souls may
live, and not see the death of our infants before our eyes, nor
our wives nor our children to die.

Jdt 7:28
We take to witness against you the heaven and the earth, and
our God and Lord of our fathers, which punisheth us according to
our sins and the sins of our fathers, that he do not according
as we have said this day.

Jdt 7:29
Then there was great weeping with one consent in the midst of
the assembly; and they cried unto the Lord God with a loud
voice.

Jdt 7:30
Then said Ozias to them, Brethren, be of good courage, let us
yet endure five days, in the which space the Lord our God may
turn his mercy toward us; for he will not forsake us utterly.

Jdt 7:31
And if these days pass, and there come no help unto us, I
will do according to your word.

Jdt 7:32
And he dispersed the people, every one to their own charge;
and they went unto the walls and towers of their city, and sent
the women and children into their houses: and they were very low
brought in the city.

Jdt 8:1
Now at that time Judith heard thereof, which was the daughter
of Merari, the son of Ox, the son of Joseph, the son of Ozel,
the son of Elcia, the son of Ananias, the son of Gedeon, the son
of Raphaim, the son of Acitho, the son of Eliu, the son of
Eliab, the son of Nathanael, the son of Samael, the son of
Salasadal, the son of Israel.

Jdt 8:2
And Manasses was her husband, of her tribe and kindred, who
died in the barley harvest.

Jdt 8:3
For as he stood overseeing them that bound sheaves in the
field, the heat came upon his head, and he fell on his bed, and
died in the city of Bethulia: and they buried him with his
fathers in the field between Dothaim and Balamo.

Jdt 8:4
So Judith was a widow in her house three years and four
months.

Jdt 8:5
And she made her a tent upon the top of her house, and put on
sackcloth upon her loins and ware her widow's apparel.

Jdt 8:6
And she fasted all the days of her widowhood, save the eves
of the sabbaths, and the sabbaths, and the eves of the new
moons, and the new moons and the feasts and solemn days of the
house of Israel.

Jdt 8:7
She was also of a goodly countenance, and very beautiful to
behold: and her husband Manasses had left her gold, and silver,
and menservants and maidservants, and cattle, and lands; and she
remained upon them.

Jdt 8:8
And there was none that gave her an ill word; ar she feared
God greatly.

Jdt 8:9
Now when she heard the evil words of the people against the
governor, that they fainted for lack of water; for Judith had
heard all the words that Ozias had spoken unto them, and that he
had sworn to deliver the city unto the Assyrians after five
days;

Jdt 8:10
Then she sent her waitingwoman, that had the government of
all things that she had, to call Ozias and Chabris and Charmis,
the ancients of the city.

Jdt 8:11
And they came unto her, and she said unto them, Hear me now,
O ye governors of the inhabitants of Bethulia: for your words
that ye have spoken before the people this day are not right,
touching this oath which ye made and pronounced between God and
you, and have promised to deliver the city to our enemies,
unless within these days the Lord turn to help you.

Jdt 8:12
And now who are ye that have tempted God this day, and stand
instead of God among the children of men?

Jdt 8:13
And now try the Lord Almighty, but ye shall never know any
thing.

Jdt 8:14
For ye cannot find the depth of the heart of man, neither can
ye perceive the things that he thinketh: then how can ye search
out God, that hath made all these things, and know his mind, or
comprehend his purpose? Nay, my brethren, provoke not the Lord
our God to anger.

Jdt 8:15
For if he will not help us within these five days, he hath
power to defend us when he will, even every day, or to destroy
us before our enemies.

Jdt 8:16
Do not bind the counsels of the Lord our God: for God is not
as man, that he may be threatened; neither is he as the son of
man, that he should be wavering.

Jdt 8:17
Therefore let us wait for salvation of him, and call upon him
to help us, and he will hear our voice, if it please him.

Jdt 8:18
For there arose none in our age, neither is there any now in
these days neither tribe, nor family, nor people, nor city among
us, which worship gods made with hands, as hath been aforetime.

Jdt 8:19
For the which cause our fathers were given to the sword, and
for a spoil, and had a great fall before our enemies.

Jdt 8:20
But we know none other god, therefore we trust that he will
not dispise us, nor any of our nation.

Jdt 8:21
For if we be taken so, all Judea shall lie waste, and our
sanctuary shall be spoiled; and he will require the profanation
thereof at our mouth.

Jdt 8:22
And the slaughter of our brethren, and the captivity of the
country, and the desolation of our inheritance, will he turn
upon our heads among the Gentiles, wheresoever we shall be in
bondage; and we shall be an offence and a reproach to all them
that possess us.

Jdt 8:23
For our servitude shall not be directed to favour: but the
Lord our God shall turn it to dishonour.

Jdt 8:24
Now therefore, O brethren, let us shew an example to our
brethren, because their hearts depend upon us, and the
sanctuary, and the house, and the altar, rest upon us.

Jdt 8:25
Moreover let us give thanks to the Lord our God, which trieth
us, even as he did our fathers.

Jdt 8:26
Remember what things he did to Abraham, and how he tried
Isaac, and what happened to Jacob in Mesopotamia of Syria, when
he kept the sheep of Laban his mother's brother.

Jdt 8:27
For he hath not tried us in the fire, as he did them, for the
examination of their hearts, neither hath he taken vengeance on
us: but the Lord doth scourge them that come near unto him, to
admonish them.

Jdt 8:28
Then said Ozias to her, All that thou hast spoken hast thou
spoken with a good heart, and there is none that may gainsay thy
words.

Jdt 8:29
For this is not the first day wherein thy wisdom is
manifested; but from the beginning of thy days all the people
have known thy understanding, because the disposition of thine
heart is good.

Jdt 8:30
But the people were very thirsty, and compelled us to do unto
them as we have spoken, and to bring an oath upon ourselves,
which we will not break.

Jdt 8:31
Therefore now pray thou for us, because thou art a godly
woman, and the Lord will send us rain to fill our cisterns, and
we shall faint no more.

Jdt 8:32
Then said Judith unto them, Hear me, and I will do a thing,
which shall go throughout all generations to the children of our
nation.

Jdt 8:33
Ye shall stand this night in the gate, and I will go forth
with my waitingwoman: and within the days that ye have promised
to deliver the city to our enemies the Lord will visit Israel by
mine hand.

Jdt 8:34
But enquire not ye of mine act: for I will not declare it
unto you, till the things be finished that I do.

Jdt 8:35
Then said Ozias and the princes unto her, Go in peace, and
the Lord God be before thee, to take vengeance on our enemies.

Jdt 8:36
So they returned from the tent, and went to their wards.

Jdt 9:1
Judith fell upon her face, and put ashes upon her head, and
uncovered the sackcloth wherewith she was clothed; and about the
time that the incense of that evening was offered in Jerusalem
in the house of the Lord Judith cried with a loud voice, and
said,

Jdt 9:2
O Lord God of my father Simeon, to whom thou gavest a sword
to take vengeance of the strangers, who loosened the girdle of a
maid to defile her, and discovered the thigh to her shame, and
polluted her virginity to her reproach; for thou saidst, It
shall not be so; and yet they did so:

Jdt 9:3
Wherefore thou gavest their rulers to be slain, so that they
dyed their bed in blood, being deceived, and smotest the
servants with their lords, and the lords upon their thrones;

Jdt 9:4
And hast given their wives for a prey, and their daughters to
be captives, and all their spoils to be divided among thy dear
children; which were moved with thy zeal, and abhorred the
pollution of their blood, and called upon thee for aid: O God, O
my God, hear me also a widow.

Jdt 9:5
For thou hast wrought not only those things, but also the
things which fell out before, and which ensued after; thou hast
thought upon the things which are now, and which are to come.

Jdt 9:6
Yea, what things thou didst determine were ready at hand, and
said, Lo, we are here: for all thy ways are prepared, and thy
judgments are in thy foreknowledge.

Jdt 9:7
For, behold, the Assyrians are multiplied in their power;
they are exalted with horse and man; they glory in the strength
of their footmen; they trust in shield, and spear, and bow, and
sling; and know not that thou art the Lord that breakest the
battles: the Lord is thy name.

Jdt 9:8
Throw down their strength in thy power, and bring down their
force in thy wrath: for they have purposed to defile thy
sanctuary, and to pollute the tabernacle where thy glorious name
resteth and to cast down with sword the horn of thy altar.

Jdt 9:9
Behold their pride, and send thy wrath upon their heads: give
into mine hand, which am a widow, the power that I have
conceived.

Jdt 9:10
Smite by the deceit of my lips the servant with the prince,
and the prince with the servant: break down their stateliness by
the hand of a woman.

Jdt 9:11
For thy power standeth not in multitude nor thy might in
strong men: for thou art a God of the afflicted, an helper of
the oppressed, an upholder of the weak, a protector of the
forlorn, a saviour of them that are without hope.

Jdt 9:12
I pray thee, I pray thee, O God of my father, and God of the
inheritance of Israel, Lord of the heavens and earth, Creator of
the waters, king of every creature, hear thou my prayer:

Jdt 9:13
And make my speech and deceit to be their wound and stripe,
who have purposed cruel things against thy covenant, and thy
hallowed house, and against the top of Sion, and against the
house of the possession of thy children.

Jdt 9:14
And make every nation and tribe to acknowledge that thou art
the God of all power and might, and that there is none other
that protecteth the people of Israel but thou.

Jdt 10:1
Now after that she had ceased to cry unto the God of Israel,
and bad made an end of all these words.

Jdt 10:2
She rose where she had fallen down, and called her maid, and
went down into the house in the which she abode in the sabbath
days, and in her feast days,

Jdt 10:3
And pulled off the sackcloth which she had on, and put off
the garments of her widowhood, and washed her body all over with
water, and anointed herself with precious ointment, and braided
the hair of her head, and put on a tire upon it, and put on her
garments of gladness, wherewith she was clad during the life of
Manasses her husband.

Jdt 10:4
And she took sandals upon her feet, and put about her her
bracelets, and her chains, and her rings, and her earrings, and
all her ornaments, and decked herself bravely, to allure the
eyes of all men that should see her.

Jdt 10:5
Then she gave her maid a bottle of wine, and a cruse of oil,
and filled a bag with parched corn, and lumps of figs, and with
fine bread; so she folded all these things together, and laid
them upon her.

Jdt 10:6
Thus they went forth to the gate of the city of Bethulia, and
found standing there Ozias and the ancients of the city, Chabris
and Charmis.

Jdt 10:7
And when they saw her, that her countenance was altered, and
her apparel was changed, they wondered at her beauty very
greatly, and said unto her.

Jdt 10:8
The God, the God of our fathers give thee favour, and
accomplish thine enterprizes to the glory of the children of
Israel, and to the exaltation of Jerusalem. Then they worshipped
God.

Jdt 10:9
And she said unto them, Command the gates of the city to be
opened unto me, that I may go forth to accomplish the things
whereof ye have spoken with me. So they commanded the young men
to open unto her, as she had spoken.

Jdt 10:10
And when they had done so, Judith went out, she, and her maid
with her; and the men of the city looked after her, until she
was gone down the mountain, and till she had passed the valley,
and could see her no more.

Jdt 10:11
Thus they went straight forth in the valley: and the first
watch of the Assyrians met her,

Jdt 10:12
And took her, and asked her, Of what people art thou? and
whence comest thou? and whither goest thou? And she said, I am a
woman of the Hebrews, and am fled from them: for they shall be
given you to be consumed:

Jdt 10:13
And I am coming before Holofernes the chief captain of your
army, to declare words of truth; and I will shew him a way,
whereby he shall go, and win all the hill country, without
losing the body or life of any one of his men.

Jdt 10:14
Now when the men heard her words, and beheld her countenance,
they wondered greatly at her beauty, and said unto her,

Jdt 10:15
Thou hast saved thy life, in that thou hast hasted to come
down to the presence of our lord: now therefore come to his
tent, and some of us shall conduct thee, until they have
delivered thee to his hands.

Jdt 10:16
And when thou standest before him, be not afraid in thine
heart, but shew unto him according to thy word; and he will
entreat thee well.

Jdt 10:17
Then they chose out of them an hundred men to accompany her
and her maid; and they brought her to the tent of Holofernes.

Jdt 10:18
Then was there a concourse throughout all the camp: for her
coming was noised among the tents, and they came about her, as
she stood without the tent of Holofernes, till they told him of
her.

Jdt 10:19
And they wondered at her beauty, and admired the children of
Israel because of her, and every one said to his neighbour, Who
would despise this people, that have among them such women?
surely it is not good that one man of them be left who being let
go might deceive the whole earth.

Jdt 10:20
And they that lay near Holofernes went out, and all his
servants and they brought her into the tent.

Jdt 10:21
Now Holofernes rested upon his bed under a canopy, which was
woven with purple, and gold, and emeralds, and precious stones.

Jdt 10:22
So they shewed him of her; and he came out before his tent
with silver lamps going before him.

Jdt 10:23
And when Judith was come before him and his servants they all
marvelled at the beauty of her countenance; and she fell down
upon her face, and did reverence unto him: and his servants took
her up.

Jdt 11:1
Then said Holofernes unto her, Woman, be of good comfort,
fear not in thine heart: for I never hurt any that was willing
to serve Nabuchodonosor, the king of all the earth.

Jdt 11:2
Now therefore, if thy people that dwelleth in the mountains
had not set light by me, I would not have lifted up my spear
against them: but they have done these things to themselves.

Jdt 11:3
But now tell me wherefore thou art fled from them, and art
come unto us: for thou art come for safeguard; be of good
comfort, thou shalt live this night, and hereafter:

Jdt 11:4
For none shall hurt thee, but entreat thee well, as they do
the servants of king Nabuchodonosor my lord.

Jdt 11:5
Then Judith said unto him, Receive the words of thy servant,
and suffer thine handmaid to speak in thy presence, and I will
declare no lie to my lord this night.

Jdt 11:6
And if thou wilt follow the words of thine handmaid, God will
bring the thing perfectly to pass by thee; and my lord shall not
fail of his purposes.

Jdt 11:7
As Nabuchodonosor king of all the earth liveth, and as his
power liveth, who hath sent thee for the upholding of every
living thing: for not only men shall serve him by thee, but also
the beasts of the field, and the cattle, and the fowls of the
air, shall live by thy power under Nabuchodonosor and all his
house.

Jdt 11:8
For we have heard of thy wisdom and thy policies, and it is
reported in all the earth, that thou only art excellent in all
the kingdom, and mighty in knowledge, and wonderful in feats of
war.

Jdt 11:9
Now as concerning the matter, which Achior did speak in thy
council, we have heard his words; for the men of Bethulia saved
him, and he declared unto them all that he had spoken unto thee.

Jdt 11:10
Therefore, O lord and governor, respect not his word; but lay
it up in thine heart, for it is true: for our nation shall not
be punished, neither can sword prevail against them, except they
sin against their God.

Jdt 11:11
And now, that my lord be not defeated and frustrate of his
purpose, even death is now fallen upon them, and their sin hath
overtaken them, wherewith they will provoke their God to anger
whensoever they shall do that which is not fit to be done:

Jdt 11:12
For their victuals fail them, and all their water is scant,
and they have determined to lay hands upon their cattle, and
purposed to consume all those things, that God hath forbidden
them to eat by his laws:

Jdt 11:13
And are resolved to spend the firstfruits of the the tenths
of wine and oil, which they had sanctified, and reserved for the
priests that serve in Jerusalem before the face of our God; the
which things it is not lawful for any of the people so much as
to touch with their hands.

Jdt 11:14
For they have sent some to Jerusalem, because they also that
dwell there have done the like, to bring them a licence from the
senate.

Jdt 11:15
Now when they shall bring them word, they will forthwith do
it, and they shall be given to thee to be destroyed the same
day.

Jdt 11:16
Wherefore I thine handmaid, knowing all this, am fled from
their presence; and God hath sent me to work things with thee,
whereat all the earth shall be astonished, and whosoever shall
hear it.

Jdt 11:17
For thy servant is religious, and serveth the God of heaven
day and night: now therefore, my lord, I will remain with thee,
and thy servant will go out by night into the valley, and I will
pray unto God, and he will tell me when they have committed
their sins:

Jdt 11:18
And I will come and shew it unto thee: then thou shalt go
forth with all thine army, and there shall be none of them that
shall resist thee.

Jdt 11:19
And I will lead thee through the midst of Judea, until thou
come before Jerusalem; and I will set thy throne in the midst
thereof; and thou shalt drive them as sheep that have no
shepherd, and a dog shall not so much as open his mouth at thee:
for these things were told me according to my foreknowledge, and
they were declared unto me, and I am sent to tell thee.

Jdt 11:20
Then her words pleased Holofernes and all his servants; and
they marvelled at her wisdom, and said,

Jdt 11:21
There is not such a woman from one end of the earth to the
other, both for beauty of face, and wisdom of words.

Jdt 11:22
Likewise Holofernes said unto her. God hath done well to send
thee before the people, that strength might be in our hands and
destruction upon them that lightly regard my lord.

Jdt 11:23
And now thou art both beautiful in thy countenance, and witty
in thy words: surely if thou do as thou hast spoken thy God
shall be my God, and thou shalt dwell in the house of king
Nabuchodonosor, and shalt be renowned through the whole earth.

Jdt 12:1
Then he commanded to bring her in where his plate was set;
and bade that they should prepare for her of his own meats, and
that she should drink of his own wine.

Jdt 12:2
And Judith said, I will not eat thereof, lest there be an
offence: but provision shall be made for me of the things that I
have brought.

Jdt 12:3
Then Holofernes said unto her, If thy provision should fail,
how should we give thee the like? for there be none with us of
thy nation.

Jdt 12:4
Then said Judith unto him As thy soul liveth, my lord, thine
handmaid shall not spend those things that I have, before the
Lord work by mine hand the things that he hath determined.

Jdt 12:5
Then the servants of Holofernes brought her into the tent,
and she slept till midnight, and she arose when it was toward
the morning watch,

Jdt 12:6
And sent to Holofernes, saving, Let my lord now command that
thine handmaid may go forth unto prayer.

Jdt 12:7
Then Holofernes commanded his guard that they should not stay
her: thus she abode in the camp three days, and went out in the
night into the valley of Bethulia, and washed herself in a
fountain of water by the camp.

Jdt 12:8
And when she came out, she besought the Lord God of Israel to
direct her way to the raising up of the children of her people.

Jdt 12:9
So she came in clean, and remained in the tent, until she did
eat her meat at evening.

Jdt 12:10
And in the fourth day Holofernes made a feast to his own
servants only, and called none of the officers to the banquet.

Jdt 12:11
Then said he to Bagoas the eunuch, who had charge over all
that he had, Go now, and persuade this Hebrew woman which is
with thee, that she come unto us, and eat and drink with us.

Jdt 12:12
For, lo, it will be a shame for our person, if we shall let
such a woman go, not having had her company; for if we draw her
not unto us, she will laugh us to scorn.

Jdt 12:13
Then went Bagoas from the presence of Holofernes, and came to
her, and he said, Let not this fair damsel fear to come to my
lord, and to be honoured in his presence, and drink wine, and be
merry with us and be made this day as one of the daughters of
the Assyrians, which serve in the house of Nabuchodonosor.

Jdt 12:14
Then said Judith unto him, Who am I now, that I should
gainsay my lord? surely whatsoever pleaseth him I will do
speedily, and it shall be my joy unto the day of my death.

Jdt 12:15
So she arose, and decked herself with her apparel and all her
woman's attire, and her maid went and laid soft skins on the
ground for her over against Holofernes, which she had received
of Bagoas far her daily use, that she might sit and eat upon
them.

Jdt 12:16
Now when Judith came in and sat down, Holofernes his heart
was ravished with her, and his mind was moved, and he desired
greatly her company; for he waited a time to deceive her, from
the day that he had seen her.

Jdt 12:17
Then said Holofernes unto her, Drink now, and be merry with
us.

Jdt 12:18
So Judith said, I will drink now, my lord, because my life is
magnified in me this day more than all the days since I was
born.

Jdt 12:19
Then she took and ate and drank before him what her maid had
prepared.

Jdt 12:20
And Holofernes took great delight in her, and drank more wine
than he had drunk at any time in one day since he was born.

Jdt 13:1
Now when the evening was come, his servants made haste to
depart, and Bagoas shut his tent without, and dismissed the
waiters from the presence of his lord; and they went to their
beds: for they were all weary, because the feast had been long.

Jdt 13:2
And Judith was left along in the tent, and Holofernes lying
along upon his bed: for he was filled with wine.

Jdt 13:3
Now Judith had commanded her maid to stand without her
bedchamber, and to wait for her. coming forth, as she did daily:
for she said she would go forth to her prayers, and she spake to
Bagoas according to the same purpose.

Jdt 13:4
So all went forth and none was left in the bedchamber,
neither little nor great. Then Judith, standing by his bed, said
in her heart, O Lord God of all power, look at this present upon
the works of mine hands for the exaltation of Jerusalem.

Jdt 13:5
For now is the time to help thine inheritance, and to execute
thine enterprizes to the destruction of the enemies which are
risen against us.

Jdt 13:6
Then she came to the pillar of the bed, which was at
Holofernes' head, and took down his fauchion from thence,

Jdt 13:7
And approached to his bed, and took hold of the hair of his
head, and said, Strengthen me, O Lord God of Israel, this day.

Jdt 13:8
And she smote twice upon his neck with all her might, and she
took away his head from him.

Jdt 13:9
And tumbled his body down from the bed, and pulled down the
canopy from the pillars; and anon after she went forth, and gave
Holofernes his head to her maid;

Jdt 13:10
And she put it in her bag of meat: so they twain went
together according to their custom unto prayer: and when they
passed the camp, they compassed the valley, and went up the
mountain of Bethulia, and came to the gates thereof.

Jdt 13:11
Then said Judith afar off, to the watchmen at the gate, Open,
open now the gate: God, even our God, is with us, to shew his
power yet in Jerusalem, and his forces against the enemy, as he
hath even done this day.

Jdt 13:12
Now when the men of her city heard her voice, they made haste
to go down to the gate of their city, and they called the elders
of the city.

Jdt 13:13
And then they ran all together, both small and great, for it
was strange unto them that she was come: so they opened the
gate, and received them, and made a fire for a light, and stood
round about them.

Jdt 13:14
Then she said to them with a loud voice, Praise, praise God,
praise God, I say, for he hath not taken away his mercy from the
house of Israel, but hath destroyed our enemies by mine hands
this night.

Jdt 13:15
So she took the head out of the bag, and shewed it, and said
unto them, behold the head of Holofernes, the chief captain of
the army of Assur, and behold the canopy, wherein he did lie in
his drunkenness; and the Lord hath smitten him by the hand of a
woman.

Jdt 13:16
As the Lord liveth, who hath kept me in my way that I went,
my countenance hath deceived him to his destruction, and yet
hath he not committed sin with me, to defile and shame me.

Jdt 13:17
Then all the people were wonderfully astonished, and bowed
themselves and worshipped God, and said with one accord, Blessed
be thou, O our God, which hast this day brought to nought the
enemies of thy people.

Jdt 13:18
Then said Ozias unto her, O daughter, blessed art thou of the
most high God above all the women upon the earth; and blessed be
the Lord God, which hath created the heavens and the earth,
which hath directed thee to the cutting off of the head of the
chief of our enemies.

Jdt 13:19
For this thy confidence shall not depart from the heart of
men, which remember the power of God for ever.

Jdt 13:20
And God turn these things to thee for a perpetual praise, to
visit thee in good things because thou hast not spared thy life
for the affliction of our nation, but hast revenged our ruin,
walking a straight way before our God. And all the people said;
So be it, so be it.

Jdt 14:1
Then said Judith unto them, Hear me now, my brethren, and
take this head, and hang it upon the highest place of your
walls.

Jdt 14:2
And so soon as the morning shall appear, and the sun shall
come forth upon the earth, take ye every one his weapons, and go
forth every valiant man out of the city, and set ye a captain
over them, as though ye would go down into the field toward the
watch of the Assyrians; but go not down.

Jdt 14:3
Then they shall take their armour, and shall go into their
camp, and raise up the captains of the army of Assur, and shall
run to the tent of Holofernes, but shall not find him: then fear
shall fall upon them, and they shall flee before your face.

Jdt 14:4
So ye, and all that inhabit the coast of Israel, shall pursue
them, and overthrow them as they go.

Jdt 14:5
But before ye do these things, call me Achior the Ammonite,
that he may see and know him that despised the house of Israel,
and that sent him to us as it were to his death.

Jdt 14:6
Then they called Achior out of the house of Ozias; and when
he was come, and saw the head of Holofernes in a man's hand in
the assembly of the people, he fell down on his face, and his
spirit failed.

Jdt 14:7
But when they had recovered him, he fell at Judith's feet,
and reverenced her, and said, Blessed art thou in all the
tabernacles of Juda, and in all nations, which hearing thy name
shall be astonished.

Jdt 14:8
Now therefore tell me all the things that thou hast done in
these days. Then Judith declared unto him in the midst of the
people all that she had done, from the day that she went forth
until that hour she spake unto them.

Jdt 14:9
And when she had left off speaking, the people shouted with a
loud voice, and made a joyful noise in their city.

Jdt 14:10
And when Achior had seen all that the God of Israel had done,
he believed in God greatly, and circumcised the flesh of his
foreskin, and was joined unto the house of Israel unto this day.

Jdt 14:11
And as soon as the morning arose, they hanged the head of
Holofernes upon the wall, and every man took his weapons, and
they went forth by bands unto the straits of the mountain.

Jdt 14:12
But when the Assyrians saw them, they sent to their leaders,
which came to their captains and tribunes, and to every one of
their rulers.

Jdt 14:13
So they came to Holofernes' tent, and said to him that had
the charge of all his things, Waken now our lord: for the slaves
have been bold to come down against us to battle, that they may
be utterly destroyed.

Jdt 14:14
Then went in Bagoas, and knocked at the door of the tent; for
he thought that he had slept with Judith.

Jdt 14:15
But because none answered, he opened it, and went into the
bedchamber, and found him cast upon the floor dead, and his head
was taken from him.

Jdt 14:16
Therefore he cried with a loud voice, with weeping, and
sighing, and a mighty cry, and rent his garments.

Jdt 14:17
After he went into the tent where Judith lodged: and when he
found her not, he leaped out to the people, and cried,

Jdt 14:18
These slaves have dealt treacherously; one woman of the
Hebrews hath brought shame upon the house of king
Nabuchodonosor: for, behold, Holofernes lieth upon the ground
without a head.

Jdt 14:19
When the captains of the Assyrians' army heard these words,
they rent their coats and their minds were wonderfully troubled,
and there was a cry and a very great noise throughout the camp.

Jdt 15:1
And when they that were in the tents heard, they were
astonished at the thing that was done.

Jdt 15:2
And fear and trembling fell upon them, so that there was no
man that durst abide in the sight of his neighbour, but rushing
out all together, they fled into every way of the plain, and of
the hill country.

Jdt 15:3
They also that had camped in the mountains round about
Bethulia fled away. Then the children of Israel, every one that
was a warrior among them, rushed out upon them.

Jdt 15:4
Then sent Ozias to Betomasthem, and to Bebai, and Chobai, and
Cola and to all the coasts of Israel, such as should tell the
things that were done, and that all should rush forth upon their
enemies to destroy them.

Jdt 15:5
Now when the children of Israel heard it, they all fell upon
them with one consent, and slew them unto Chobai: likewise also
they that came from Jerusalem, and from all the hill country,
(for men had told them what things were done in the camp of
their enemies) and they that were in Galaad, and in Galilee,
chased them with a great slaughter, until they were past
Damascus and the borders thereof.

Jdt 15:6
And the residue that dwelt at Bethulia, fell upon the camp of
Assur, and spoiled them, and were greatly enriched.

Jdt 15:7
And the children of Israel that returned from the slaughter
had that which remained; and the villages and the cities, that
were in the mountains and in the plain, gat many spoils: for the
multitude was very great.

Jdt 15:8
Then Joacim the high priest, and the ancients of the children
of Israel that dwelt in Jerusalem, came to behold the good
things that God had shewed to Israel, and to see Judith, and to
salute her.

Jdt 15:9
And when they came unto her, they blessed her with one
accord, and said unto her, Thou art the exaltation of Jerusalem,
thou art the great glory of Israel, thou art the great rejoicing
of our nation:

Jdt 15:10
Thou hast done all these things by thine hand: thou hast done
much good to Israel, and God is pleased therewith: blessed be
thou of the Almighty Lord for evermore. And all the people said,
So be it.

Jdt 15:11
And the people spoiled the camp the space of thirty days: and
they gave unto Judith Holofernes his tent, and all his plate,
and beds, and vessels, and all his stuff: and she took it and
laid it on her mule; and made ready her carts, and laid them
thereon.

Jdt 15:12
Then all the women of Israel ran together to see her, and
blessed her, and made a dance among them for her: and she took
branches in her hand, and gave also to the women that were with
her.

Jdt 15:13
And they put a garland of olive upon her and her maid that
was with her, and she went before all the people in the dance,
leading all the women: and all the men of Israel followed in
their armour with garlands, and with songs in their mouths.

Jdt 16:1
Then Judith began to sing this thanksgiving in all Israel,
and all the people sang after her this song of praise.

Jdt 16:2
And Judith said, Begin unto my God with timbrels, sing unto
my Lord with cymbals: tune unto him a new psalm: exalt him, and
call upon his name.

Jdt 16:3
For God breaketh the battles: for among the camps in the
midst of the people he hath delivered me out of the hands of
them that persecuted me.

Jdt 16:4
Assur came out of the mountains from the north, he came with
ten thousands of his army, the multitude whereof stopped the
torrents, and their horsemen have covered the hills.

Jdt 16:5
He bragged that he would burn up my borders, and kill my
young men with the sword, and dash the sucking children against
the ground, and make mine infants as a prey, and my virgins as a
spoil.

Jdt 16:6
But the Almighty Lord hath disappointed them by the hand of a
woman.

Jdt 16:7
For the mighty one did not fall by the young men, neither did
the sons of the Titans smite him, nor high giants set upon him:
but Judith the daughter of Merari weakened him with the beauty
of her countenance.

Jdt 16:8
For she put off the garment of her widowhood for the
exaltation of those that were oppressed in Israel, and anointed
her face with ointment, and bound her hair in a tire, and took a
linen garment to deceive him.

Jdt 16:9
Her sandals ravished his eyes, her beauty took his mind
prisoner, and the fauchion passed through his neck.

Jdt 16:10
The Persians quaked at her boldness, and the Medes were
daunted at her hardiness.

Jdt 16:11
Then my afflicted shouted for joy, and my weak ones cried
aloud; but they were astonished: these lifted up their voices,
but they were overthrown.

Jdt 16:12
The sons of the damsels have pierced them through, and
wounded them as fugatives' children: they perished by the battle
of the Lord.

Jdt 16:13
I will sing unto the Lord a new song: O Lord, thou art great
and glorious, wonderful in strength, and invincible.

Jdt 16:14
Let all creatures serve thee: for thou spakest, and they were
made, thou didst send forth thy spirit, and it created them, and
there is none that can resist thy voice.

Jdt 16:15
For the mountains shall be moved from their foundations with
the waters, the rocks shall melt as wax at thy presence: yet
thou art merciful to them that fear thee.

Jdt 16:16
For all sacrifice is too little for a sweet savour unto thee,
and all the fat is not sufficient for thy burnt offering: but he
that feareth the Lord is great at all times.

Jdt 16:17
Woe to the nations that rise up against my kindred! the Lord
Almighty will take vengeance of them in the day of judgment, in
putting fire and worms in their flesh; and they shall feel them,
and weep for ever.

Jdt 16:18
Now as soon as they entered into Jerusalem, they worshipped
the Lord; and as soon as the people were purified, they offered
their burnt offerings, and their free offerings, and their
gifts.

Jdt 16:19
Judith also dedicated all the stuff of Holofernes, which the
people had given her, and gave the canopy, which she had taken
out of his bedchamber, for a gift unto the Lord.

Jdt 16:20
So the people continued feasting in Jerusalem before the
sanctuary for the space of three months and Judith remained with
them.

Jdt 16:21
After this time every one returned to his own inheritance,
and Judith went to Bethulia, and remained in her own possession,
and was in her time honourable in all the country.

Jdt 16:22
And many desired her, but none knew her all the days of her
life, after that Manasses her husband was dead, and was gathered
to his people.

Jdt 16:23
But she increased more and more in honour, and waxed old in
her husband's house, being an hundred and five years old, and
made her maid free; so she died in Bethulia: and they buried her
in the cave of her husband Manasses.

Jdt 16:24
And the house of Israel lamented her seven days: and before
she died, she did distribute her goods to all them that were
nearest of kindred to Manasses her husband, and to them that
were the nearest of her kindred.

Jdt 16:25
And there was none that made the children of Israel any more
afraid in the days of Judith, nor a long time after her death.




The Book of Wisdom
[The Wisdom of Solomon]


Wis 1:1
Love righteousness, ye that be judges of the earth: think of
the Lord with a good (heart,) and in simplicity of heart seek
him.

Wis 1:2
For he will be found of them that tempt him not; and sheweth
himself unto such as do not distrust him.

Wis 1:3
For froward thoughts separate from God: and his power, when
it is tried, reproveth the unwise.

Wis 1:4
For into a malicious soul wisdom shall not enter; nor dwell
in the body that is subject unto sin.

Wis 1:5
For the holy spirit of discipline will flee deceit, and
remove from thoughts that are without understanding, and will
not abide when unrighteousness cometh in.

Wis 1:6
For wisdom is a loving spirit; and will not acquit a
blasphemer of his words: for God is witness of his reins, and a
true beholder of his heart, and a hearer of his tongue.

Wis 1:7
For the Spirit of the Lord filleth the world: and that which
containeth all things hath knowledge of the voice.

Wis 1:8
Therefore he that speaketh unrighteous things cannot be hid:
neither shall vengeance, when it punisheth, pass by him.

Wis 1:9
For inquisition shall be made into the counsels of the
ungodly: and the sound of his words shall come unto the Lord for
the manifestation of his wicked deeds.

Wis 1:10
For the ear of jealousy heareth all things: and the noise of
murmurings is not hid.

Wis 1:11
Therefore beware of murmuring, which is unprofitable; and
refrain your tongue from backbiting: for there is no word so
secret, that shall go for nought: and the mouth that belieth
slayeth the soul.

Wis 1:12
Seek not death in the error of your life: and pull not upon
yourselves destruction with the works of your hands.

Wis 1:13
For God made not death: neither hath he pleasure in the
destruction of the living.

Wis 1:14
For he created all things, that they might have their being:
and the generations of the world were healthful; and there is no
poison of destruction in them, nor the kingdom of death upon the
earth:

Wis 1:15
(For righteousness is immortal:)

Wis 1:16
But ungodly men with their works and words called it to them:
for when they thought to have it their friend, they consumed to
nought, and made a covenant with it, because they are worthy to
take part with it.

Wis 2:1
For the ungodly said, reasoning with themselves, but not
aright, Our life is short and tedious, and in the death of a man
there is no remedy: neither was there any man known to have
returned from the grave.

Wis 2:2
For we are born at all adventure: and we shall be hereafter
as though we had never been: for the breath in our nostrils is
as smoke, and a little spark in the moving of our heart:

Wis 2:3
Which being extinguished, our body shall be turned into
ashes, and our spirit shall vanish as the soft air,

Wis 2:4
And our name shall be forgotten in time, and no man shall
have our works in remembrance, and our life shall pass away as
the trace of a cloud, and shall be dispersed as a mist, that is
driven away with the beams of the sun, and overcome with the
heat thereof.

Wis 2:5
For our time is a very shadow that passeth away; and after
our end there is no returning: for it is fast sealed, so that no
man cometh again.

Wis 2:6
Come on therefore, let us enjoy the good things that are
present: and let us speedily use the creatures like as in youth.

Wis 2:7
Let us fill ourselves with costly wine and ointments: and let
no flower of the spring pass by us:

Wis 2:8
Let us crown ourselves with rosebuds, before they be
withered:

Wis 2:9
Let none of us go without his part of our voluptuousness: let
us leave tokens of our joyfulness in every place: for this is
our portion, and our lot is this.

Wis 2:10
Let us oppress the poor righteous man, let us not spare the
widow, nor reverence the ancient gray hairs of the aged.

Wis 2:11
Let our strength be the law of justice: for that which is
feeble is found to be nothing worth.

Wis 2:12
Therefore let us lie in wait for the righteous; because he is
not for our turn, and he is clean contrary to our doings: he
upbraideth us with our offending the law, and objecteth to our
infamy the transgressings of our education.

Wis 2:13
He professeth to have the knowledge of God: and he calleth
himself the child of the Lord.

Wis 2:14
He was made to reprove our thoughts.

Wis 2:15
He is grievous unto us even to behold: for his life is not
like other men's, his ways are of another fashion.

Wis 2:16
We are esteemed of him as counterfeits: he abstaineth from
our ways as from filthiness: he pronounceth the end of the just
to be blessed, and maketh his boast that God is his father.

Wis 2:17
Let us see if his words be true: and let us prove what shall
happen in the end of him.

Wis 2:18
For if the just man be the son of God, he will help him, and
deliver him from the hand of his enemies.

Wis 2:19
Let us examine him with despitefulness and torture, that we
may know his meekness, and prove his patience.

Wis 2:20
Let us condemn him with a shameful death: for by his own
saying he shall be respected.

Wis 2:21
Such things they did imagine, and were deceived: for their
own wickedness hath blinded them.

Wis 2:22
As for the mysteries of God, they kn ew them not: neither
hoped they for the wages of righteousness, nor discerned a
reward for blameless souls.

Wis 2:23
For God created man to be immortal, and made him to be an
image of his own eternity.

Wis 2:24
Nevertheless through envy of the devil came death into the
world: and they that do hold of his side do find it.

Wis 3:1
But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and
there shall no torment touch them.

Wis 3:2
In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their
departure is taken for misery,

Wis 3:3
And their going from us to be utter destruction: but they are
in peace.

Wis 3:4
For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is their
hope full of immortality.

Wis 3:5
And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly
rewarded: for God proved them, and found them worthy for
himself.

Wis 3:6
As gold in the furnace hath he tried them, and received them
as a burnt offering.

Wis 3:7
And in the time of their visitation they shall shine, and run
to and fro like sparks among the stubble.

Wis 3:8
They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the
people, and their Lord shall reign for ever.

Wis 3:9
They that put their trust in him shall understand the truth:
and such as be faithful in love shall abide with him: for grace
and mercy is to his saints, and he hath care for his elect.

Wis 3:10
But the ungodly shall be punished according to their own
imaginations, which have neglected the righteous, and forsaken
the Lord.

Wis 3:11
For whoso despiseth wisdom and nurture, he is miserable, and
their hope is vain, their labours unfruitful, and their works
unprofitable:

Wis 3:12
Their wives are foolish, and their children wicked:

Wis 3:13
Their offspring is cursed. Wherefore blessed is the barren
that is undefiled, which hath not known the sinful bed: she
shall have fruit in the visitation of souls.

Wis 3:14
And blessed is the eunuch, which with his hands hath wrought
no iniquity, nor imagined wicked things against God: for unto
him shall be given the special gift of faith, and an inheritance
in the temple of the Lord more acceptable to his mind.

Wis 3:15
For glorious is the fruit of good labours: and the root of
wisdom shall never fall away.

Wis 3:16
As for the children of adulterers, they shall not come to
their perfection, and the seed of an unrighteous bed shall be
rooted out.

Wis 3:17
For though they live long, yet shall they be nothing
regarded: and their last age shall be without honour.

Wis 3:18
Or, if they die quickly, they have no hope, neither comfort
in the day of trial.

Wis 3:19
For horrible is the end of the unrighteous generation.

Wis 4:1
Better it is to have no children, and to have virtue: for the
memorial thereof is immortal: because it is known with God, and
with men.

Wis 4:2
When it is present, men take example at it; and when it is
gone, they desire it: it weareth a crown, and triumpheth for
ever, having gotten the victory, striving for undefiled rewards.

Wis 4:3
But the multiplying brood of the ungodly shall not thrive,
nor take deep rooting from bastard slips, nor lay any fast
foundation.

Wis 4:4
For though they flourish in branches for a time; yet standing
not last, they shall be shaken with the wind, and through the
force of winds they shall be rooted out.

Wis 4:5
The imperfect branches shall be broken off, their fruit
unprofitable, not ripe to eat, yea, meet for nothing.

Wis 4:6
For children begotten of unlawful beds are witnesses of
wickedness against their parents in their trial.

Wis 4:7
But though the righteous be prevented with death, yet shall
he be in rest.

Wis 4:8
For honourable age is not that which standeth in length of
time, nor that is measured by number of years.

Wis 4:9
But wisdom is the gray hair unto men, and an unspotted life
is old age.

Wis 4:10
He pleased God, and was beloved of him: so that living among
sinners he was translated.

Wis 4:11
Yea speedily was he taken away, lest that wickedness should
alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul.

Wis 4:12
For the bewitching of naughtiness doth obscure things that
are honest; and the wandering of concupiscence doth undermine
the simple mind.

Wis 4:13
He, being made perfect in a short time, fulfilled a long
time:

Wis 4:14
For his soul pleased the Lord: therefore hasted he to take
him away from among the wicked.

Wis 4:15
This the people saw, and understood it not, neither laid they
up this in their minds, That his grace and mercy is with his
saints, and that he hath respect unto his chosen.

Wis 4:16
Thus the righteous that is dead shall condemn the ungodly
which are living; and youth that is soon perfected the many
years and old age of the unrighteous.

Wis 4:17
For they shall see the end of the wise, and shall not
understand what God in his counsel hath decreed of him, and to
what end the Lord hath set him in safety.

Wis 4:18
They shall see him, and despise him; but God shall laugh them
to scorn: and they shall hereafter be a vile carcase, and a
reproach among the dead for evermore.

Wis 4:19
For he shall rend them, and cast them down headlong, that
they shall be speechless; and he shall shake them from the
foundation; and they shall be utterly laid waste, and be in
sorrow; and their memorial shall perish.

Wis 4:20
And when they cast up the accounts of their sins, they shall
come with fear: and their own iniquities shall convince them to
their face.

Wis 5:1
Then shall the righteous man stand in great boldness before
the face of such as have afflicted him, and made no account of
his labours.

Wis 5:2
When they see it, they shall be troubled with terrible fear,
and shall be amazed at the strangeness of his salvation, so far
beyond all that they looked for.

Wis 5:3
And they repenting and groaning for anguish of spirit shall
say within themselves, This was he, whom we had sometimes in
derision, and a proverb of reproach:

Wis 5:4
We fools accounted his life madness, and his end to be
without honour:

Wis 5:5
How is he numbered among the children of God, and his lot is
among the saints!

Wis 5:6
Therefore have we erred from the way of truth, and the light
of righteousness hath not shined unto us, and the sun of
righteousness rose not upon us.

Wis 5:7
We wearied ourselves in the way of wickedness and
destruction: yea, we have gone through deserts, where there lay
no way: but as for the way of the Lord, we have not known it.

Wis 5:8
What hath pride profited us? or what good hath riches with
our vaunting brought us?

Wis 5:9
All those things are passed away like a shadow, and as a post
that hasted by;

Wis 5:10
And as a ship that passeth over the waves of the water, which
when it is gone by, the trace thereof cannot be found, neither
the pathway of the keel in the waves;

Wis 5:11
Or as when a bird hath flown through the air, there is no
token of her way to be found, but the light air being beaten
with the stroke of her wings and parted with the violent noise
and motion of them, is passed through, and therein afterwards no
sign where she went is to be found;

Wis 5:12
Or like as when an arrow is shot at a mark, it parteth the
air, which immediately cometh together again, so that a man
cannot know where it went through:

Wis 5:13
Even so we in like manner, as soon as we were born, began to
draw to our end, and had no sign of virtue to shew; but were
consumed in our own wickedness.

Wis 5:14
For the hope of the Godly is like dust that is blown away
with the wind; like a thin froth that is driven away with the
storm; like as the smoke which is dispersed here and there with
a tempest, and passeth away as the remembrance of a guest that
tarrieth but a day.

Wis 5:15
But the righteous live for evermore; their reward also is
with the Lord, and the care of them is with the most High.

Wis 5:16
Therefore shall they receive a glorious kingdom, and a
beautiful crown from the Lord's hand: for with his right hand
shall he cover them, and with his arm shall he protect them.

Wis 5:17
He shall take to him his jealousy for complete armour, and
make the creature his weapon for the revenge of his enemies.

Wis 5:18
He shall put on righteousness as a breastplate, and true
judgment instead of an helmet.

Wis 5:19
He shall take holiness for an invincible shield.

Wis 5:20
His severe wrath shall he sharpen for a sword, and the world
shall fight with him against the unwise.

Wis 5:21
Then shall the right aiming thunderbolts go abroad; and from
the clouds, as from a well drawn bow, shall they fly to the
mark.

Wis 5:22
And hailstones full of wrath shall be cast as out of a stone
bow, and the water of the sea shall rage against them, and the
floods shall cruelly drown them.

Wis 5:23
Yea, a mighty wind shall stand up against them, and like a
storm shall blow them away: thus iniquity shall lay waste the
whole earth, and ill dealing shall overthrow the thrones of the
mighty.

Wis 6:1
Hear therefore, O ye kings, and understand; learn, ye that be
judges of the ends of the earth.

Wis 6:2
Give ear, ye that rule the people, and glory in the multitude
of nations.

Wis 6:3
For power is given you of the Lord, and sovereignty from the
Highest, who shall try your works, and search out your counsels.

Wis 6:4
Because, being ministers of his kingdom, ye have not judged
aright, nor kept the law, nor walked after the counsel of God;

Wis 6:5
Horribly and speedily shall he come upon you: for a sharp
judgment shall be to them that be in high places.

Wis 6:6
For mercy will soon pardon the meanest: but mighty men shall
be mightily tormented.

Wis 6:7
For he which is Lord over all shall fear no man's person,
neither shall he stand in awe of any man's greatness: for he
hath made the small and great, and careth for all alike.

Wis 6:8
But a sore trial shall come upon the mighty.

Wis 6:9
Unto you therefore, O kings, do I speak, that ye may learn
wisdom, and not fall away.

Wis 6:10
For they that keep holiness holily shall be judged holy: and
they that have learned such things shall find what to answer.

Wis 6:11
Wherefore set your affection upon my words; desire them, and
ye shall be instructed.

Wis 6:12
Wisdom is glorious, and never fadeth away: yea, she is easily
seen of them that love her, and found of such as seek her.

Wis 6:13
She preventeth them that desire her, in making herself first
known unto them.

Wis 6:14
Whoso seeketh her early shall have no great travail: for he
shall find her sitting at his doors.

Wis 6:15
To think therefore upon her is perfection of wisdom: and
whoso watcheth for her shall quickly be without care.

Wis 6:16
For she goeth about seeking such as are worthy of her,
sheweth herself favourably unto them in the ways, and meeteth
them in every thought.

Wis 6:17
For the very true beginning of her is the desire of
discipline; and the care of discipline is love;

Wis 6:18
And love is the keeping of her laws; and the giving heed unto
her laws is the assurance of incorruption;

Wis 6:19
And incorruption maketh us near unto God:

Wis 6:20
Therefore the desire of wisdom bringeth to a kingdom.

Wis 6:21
If your delight be then in thrones and sceptres, O ye kings
of the people, honour wisdom, that ye may reign for evermore.

Wis 6:22
As for wisdom, what she is, and how she came up, I will tell
you, and will not hide mysteries from you: but will seek her out
from the beginning of her nativity, and bring the knowledge of
her into light, and will not pass over the truth.

Wis 6:23
Neither will I go with consuming envy; for such a man shall
have no fellowship with wisdom.

Wis 6:24
But the multitude of the wise is the welfare of the world:
and a wise king is the upholding of the people.

Wis 6:25
Receive therefore instruction through my words, and it shall
do you good.

Wis 7:1
I myself also am a mortal man, like to all, and the offspring
of him that was first made of the earth,

Wis 7:2
And in my mother's womb was fashioned to be flesh in the time
of ten months, being compacted in blood, of the seed of man, and
the pleasure that came with sleep.

Wis 7:3
And when I was born, I drew in the common air, and fell upon
the earth, which is of like nature, and the first voice which I
uttered was crying, as all others do.

Wis 7:4
I was nursed in swaddling clothes, and that with cares.

Wis 7:5
For there is no king that had any other beginning of birth.

Wis 7:6
For all men have one entrance into life, and the like going
out.

Wis 7:7
Wherefore I prayed, and understanding was given me: I called
upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.

Wis 7:8
I preferred her before sceptres and thrones, and esteemed
riches nothing in comparison of her.

Wis 7:9
Neither compared I unto her any precious stone, because all
gold in respect of her is as a little sand, and silver shall be
counted as clay before her.

Wis 7:10
I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her
instead of light: for the light that cometh from her never goeth
out.

Wis 7:11
All good things together came to me with her, and innumerable
riches in her hands.

Wis 7:12
And I rejoiced in them all, because wisdom goeth before them:
and I knew not that she was the mother of them.

Wis 7:13
I learned diligently, and do communicate her liberally: I do
not hide her riches.

Wis 7:14
For she is a treasure unto men that never faileth: which they
that use become the friends of God, being commended for the
gifts that come from learning.

Wis 7:15
God hath granted me to speak as I would, and to conceive as
is meet for the things that are given me: because it is he that
leadeth unto wisdom, and directeth the wise.

Wis 7:16
For in his hand are both we and our words; all wisdom also,
and knowledge of workmanship.

Wis 7:17
For he hath given me certain knowledge of the things that
are, namely, to know how the world was made, and the operation
of the elements:

Wis 7:18
The beginning, ending, and midst of the times: the
alterations of the turning of the sun, and the change of
seasons:

Wis 7:19
The circuits of years, and the positions of stars:

Wis 7:20
The natures of living creatures, and the furies of wild
beasts: the violence of winds, and the reasonings of men: the
diversities of plants and the virtues of roots:

Wis 7:21
And all such things as are either secret or manifest, them I
know.

Wis 7:22
For wisdom, which is the worker of all things, taught me: for
in her is an understanding spirit holy, one only, manifold,
subtil, lively, clear, undefiled, plain, not subject to hurt,
loving the thing that is good quick, which cannot be letted,
ready to do good,

Wis 7:23
Kind to man, steadfast, sure, free from care, having all
power, overseeing all things, and going through all
understanding, pure, and most subtil, spirits.

Wis 7:24
For wisdom is more moving than any motion: she passeth and
goeth through all things by reason of her pureness.

Wis 7:25
For she is the breath of the power of God, and a pure
influence flowing from the glory of the Almighty: therefore can
no defiled thing fall into her.

Wis 7:26
For she is the brightness of the everlasting light, the
unspotted mirror of the power of God, and the image of his
goodness.

Wis 7:27
And being but one, she can do all things: and remaining in
herself, she maketh all things new: and in all ages entering
into holy souls, she maketh them friends of God, and prophets.

Wis 7:28
For God loveth none but him that dwelleth with wisdom.

Wis 7:29
For she is more beautiful than the sun, and above all the
order of stars: being compared with the light, she is found
before it.

Wis 7:30
For after this cometh night: but vice shall not prevail
against wisdom.

Wis 8:1
Wisdom reacheth from one end to another mightily: and sweetly
doth she order all things.

Wis 8:2
I loved her, and sought her out from my youth, I desired to
make her my spouse, and I was a lover of her beauty.

Wis 8:3
In that she is conversant with God, she magnifieth her
nobility: yea, the Lord of all things himself loved her.

Wis 8:4
For she is privy to the mysteries of the knowledge of God,
and a lover of his works.

Wis 8:5
If riches be a possession to be desired in this life; what is
richer than wisdom, that worketh all things?

Wis 8:6
And if prudence work; who of all that are is a more cunning
workman than she?

Wis 8:7
And if a man love righteousness her labours are virtues: for
she teacheth temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude:
which are such things, as en can have nothing more profitable in
their life.

Wis 8:8
If a man desire much experience, she knoweth things of old,
and conjectureth aright what is to come: she knoweth the
subtilties of speeches, and can expound dark sentences: she
foreseeth signs and wonders, and the events of seasons and
times.

Wis 8:9
Therefore I purposed to take her to me to live with me,
knowing that she would be a counsellor of good things, and a
comfort in cares and grief.

Wis 8:10
For her sake I shall have estimation among the multitude, and
honour with the elders, though I be young.

Wis 8:11
I shall be found of a quick conceit in judgment, and shall be
admired in the sight of great men.

Wis 8:12
When I hold my tongue, they shall bide my leisure, and when I
speak, they shall give good ear unto me: if I talk much, they
shall lay their hands upon their mouth.

Wis 8:13
Moreover by the means of her I shall obtain immortality, and
leave behind me an everlasting memorial to them that come after
me.

Wis 8:14
I shall set the people in order, and the nations shall be
subject unto me.

Wis 8:15
Horrible tyrants shall be afraid, when they do but hear of
me; I shall be found good among the multitude, and valiant in
war.

Wis 8:16
After I am come into mine house, I will repose myself with
her: for her conversation hath no bitterness; and to live with
her hath no sorrow, but mirth and joy.

Wis 8:17
Now when I considered these things in myself, and pondered
them in my heart, how that to be allied unto wisdom is
immortality;

Wis 8:18
And great pleasure it is to have her friendship; and in the
works of her hands are infinite riches; and in the exercise of
conference with her, prudence; and in talking with her, a good
report; I went about seeking how to take her to me.

Wis 8:19
For I was a witty child, and had a good spirit.

Wis 8:20
Yea rather, being good, I came into a body undefiled.

Wis 8:21
Nevertheless, when I perceived that I could not otherwise
obtain her, except God gave her me; and that was a point of
wisdom also to know whose gift she was; I prayed unto the Lord,
and besought him, and with my whole heart I said,

Wis 9:1
O God of my fathers, and Lord of mercy, who hast made all
things with thy word,

Wis 9:2
And ordained man through thy wisdom, that he should have
dominion over the creatures which thou hast made,

Wis 9:3
And order the world according to equity and righteousness,
and execute judgment with an upright heart:

Wis 9:4
Give me wisdom, that sitteth by thy throne; and reject me not
from among thy children:

Wis 9:5
For I thy servant and son of thine handmaid am a feeble
person, and of a short time, and too young for the understanding
of judgment and laws.

Wis 9:6
For though a man be never so perfect among the children of
men, yet if thy wisdom be not with him, he shall be nothing
regarded.

Wis 9:7
Thou hast chosen me to be a king of thy people, and a judge
of thy sons and daughters:

Wis 9:8
Thou hast commanded me to build a temple upon thy holy mount,
and an altar in the city wherein thou dwellest, a resemblance of
the holy tabernacle, which thou hast prepared from the
beginning.

Wis 9:9
And wisdom was with thee: which knoweth thy works, and was
present when thou madest the world, and knew what was acceptable
in thy sight, and right in thy commandments.

Wis 9:10
O send her out of thy holy heavens, and from the throne of
thy glory, that being present she may labour with me, that I may
know what is pleasing unto thee.

Wis 9:11
For she knoweth and understandeth all things, and she shall
lead me soberly in my doings, and preserve me in her power.

Wis 9:12
So shall my works be acceptable, and then shall I judge thy
people righteously, and be worthy to sit in my father's seat.

Wis 9:13
For what man is he that can know the counsel of God? or who
can think what the will of the Lord is?

Wis 9:14
For the thoughts of mortal men are miserable, and our devices
are but uncertain.

Wis 9:15
For the corruptible body presseth down the soul, and the
earthy tabernacle weigheth down the mind that museth upon many
things.

Wis 9:16
And hardly do we guess aright at things that are upon earth,
and with labour do we find the things that are before us: but
the things that are in heaven who hath searched out?

Wis 9:17
And thy counsel who hath known, except thou give wisdom, and
send thy Holy Spirit from above?

Wis 9:18
For so the ways of them which lived on the earth were
reformed, and men were taught the things that are pleasing unto
thee, and were saved through wisdom.

Wis 10:1
She preserved the first formed father of the world, that was
created alone, and brought him out of his fall,

Wis 10:2
And gave him power to rule all things.

Wis 10:3
But when the unrighteous went away from her in his anger, he
perished also in the fury wherewith he murdered his brother.

Wis 10:4
For whose cause the earth being drowned with the flood,
wisdom again preserved it, and directed the course of the
righteous in a piece of wood of small value.

Wis 10:5
Moreover, the nations in their wicked conspiracy being
confounded, she found out the righteous, and preserved him
blameless unto God, and kept him strong against his tender
compassion toward his son.

Wis 10:6
When the ungodly perished, she delivered the righteous man,
who fled from the fire which fell down upon the five cities.

Wis 10:7
Of whose wickedness even to this day the waste land that
smoketh is a testimony, and plants bearing fruit that never come
to ripeness: and a standing pillar of salt is a monument of an
unbelieving soul.

Wis 10:8
For regarding not wisdom, they gat not only this hurt, that
they knew not the things which were good; but also left behind
them to the world a memorial of their foolishness: so that in
the things wherein they offended they could not so much as be
hid.

Wis 10:9
Rut wisdom delivered from pain those that attended upon her.

Wis 10:10
When the righteous fled from his brother's wrath she guided
him in right paths, shewed him the kingdom of God, and gave him
knowledge of holy things, made him rich in his travels, and
multiplied the fruit of his labours.

Wis 10:11
In the covetousness of such as oppressed him she stood by
him, and made him rich.

Wis 10:12
She defended him from his enemies, and kept him safe from
those that lay in wait, and in a sore conflict she gave him the
victory; that he might know that goodness is stronger than all.

Wis 10:13
When the righteous was sold, she forsook him not, but
delivered him from sin: she went down with him into the pit,

Wis 10:14
And left him not in bonds, till she brought him the sceptre
of the kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: as
for them that had accused him, she shewed them to be liars, and
gave him perpetual glory.

Wis 10:15
She delivered the righteous people and blameless seed from
the nation that oppressed them.

Wis 10:16
She entered into the soul of the servant of the Lord, and
withstood dreadful kings in wonders and signs;

Wis 10:17
Rendered to the righteous a reward of their labours, guided
them in a marvellous way, and was unto them for a cover by day,
and a light of stars in the night season;

Wis 10:18
Brought them through the Red sea, and led them through much
water:

Wis 10:19
But she drowned their enemies, and cast them up out of the
bottom of the deep.

Wis 10:20
Therefore the righteous spoiled the ungodly, and praised thy
holy name, O Lord, and magnified with one accord thine hand,
that fought for them.

Wis 10:21
For wisdom opened the mouth of the dumb, and made the tongues
of them that cannot speak eloquent.

Wis 11:1
She prospered their works in the hand of the holy prophet.

Wis 11:2
They went through the wilderness that was not inhabited, and
pitched tents in places where there lay no way.

Wis 11:3
They stood against their enemies, and were avenged of their
adversaries.

Wis 11:4
When they were thirsty, they called upon thee, and water was
given them out of the flinty rock, and their thirst was quenched
out of the hard stone.

Wis 11:5
For by what things their enemies were punished, by the same
they in their need were benefited.

Wis 11:6
For instead of of a perpetual running river troubled with
foul blood,

Wis 11:7
For a manifest reproof of that commandment, whereby the
infants were slain, thou gavest unto them abundance of water by
a means which they hoped not for:

Wis 11:8
Declaring by that thirst then how thou hadst punished their
adversaries.

Wis 11:9
For when they were tried albeit but in mercy chastised, they
knew how the ungodly were judged in wrath and tormented,
thirsting in another manner than the just.

Wis 11:10
For these thou didst admonish and try, as a father: but the
other, as a severe king, thou didst condemn and punish.

Wis 11:11
Whether they were absent or present, they were vexed alike.

Wis 11:12
For a double grief came upon them, and a groaning for the
remembrance of things past.

Wis 11:13
For when they heard by their own punishments the other to be
benefited, they had some feeling of the Lord.

Wis 11:14
For whom they respected with scorn, when he was long before
thrown out at the casting forth of the infants, him in the end,
when they saw what came to pass, they admired.

Wis 11:15
But for the foolish devices of their wickedness, wherewith
being deceived they worshipped serpents void of reason, and vile
beasts, thou didst send a multitude of unreasonable beasts upon
them for vengeance;

Wis 11:16
That they might know, that wherewithal a man sinneth, by the
same also shall he be punished.

Wis 11:17
For thy Almighty hand, that made the world of matter without
form, wanted not means to send among them a multitude of bears
or fierce lions,

Wis 11:18
Or unknown wild beasts, full of rage, newly created,
breathing out either a fiery vapour, or filthy scents of
scattered smoke, or shooting horrible sparkles out of their
eyes:

Wis 11:19
Whereof not only the harm might dispatch them at once, but
also the terrible sight utterly destroy them.

Wis 11:20
Yea, and without these might they have fallen down with one
blast, being persecuted of vengeance, and scattered abroad
through the breath of thy power: but thou hast ordered all
things in measure and number and weight.

Wis 11:21
For thou canst shew thy great strength at all times when thou
wilt; and who may withstand the power of thine arm?

Wis 11:22
For the whole world before thee is as a little grain of the
balance, yea, as a drop of the morning dew that falleth down
upon the earth.

Wis 11:23
But thou hast mercy upon all; for thou canst do all things,
and winkest at the sins of men, because they should amend.

Wis 11:24
For thou lovest all the things that are, and abhorrest
nothing which thou hast made: for never wouldest thou have made
any thing, if thou hadst hated it.

Wis 11:25
And how could any thing have endured, if it had not been thy
will? or been preserved, if not called by thee?

Wis 11:26
But thou sparest all: for they are thine, O Lord, thou lover
of souls.

Wis 12:1
For thine incorruptible Spirit is in all things.

Wis 12:2
Therefore chastenest thou them by little and little that
offend, and warnest them by putting them in remembrance wherein
they have offended, that leaving their wickedness they may
believe on thee, O Lord.

Wis 12:3
For it was thy will to destroy by the hands of our fathers
both those old inhabitants of thy holy land,

Wis 12:4
Whom thou hatedst for doing most odious works of witchcrafts,
and wicked sacrifices;

Wis 12:5
And also those merciless murderers of children, and devourers
of man's flesh, and the feasts of blood,

Wis 12:6
With their priests out of the midst of their idolatrous crew,
and the parents, that killed with their own hands souls
destitute of help:

Wis 12:7
That the land, which thou esteemedst above all other, might
receive a worthy colony of God's children.

Wis 12:8
Nevertheless even those thou sparedst as men, and didst send
wasps, forerunners of thine host, to destroy them by little and
little.

Wis 12:9
Not that thou wast unable to bring the ungodly under the hand
of the righteous in battle, or to destroy them at once with
cruel beasts, or with one rough word:

Wis 12:10
But executing thy judgments upon them by little and little,
thou gavest them place of repentance, not being ignorant that
they were a naughty generation, and that their malice was bred
in them, and that their cogitation would never be changed.

Wis 12:11
For it was a cursed seed from the beginning; neither didst
thou for fear of any man give them pardon for those things
wherein they sinned.

Wis 12:12
For who shall say, What hast thou done? or who shall
withstand thy judgment? or who shall accuse thee for the nations
that perish, whom thou made? or who shall come to stand against
thee, to be revenged for the unrighteous men?

Wis 12:13
For neither is there any God but thou that careth for all, to
whom thou mightest shew that thy judgment is not unright.

Wis 12:14
Neither shall king or tyrant be able to set his face against
thee for any whom thou hast punished.

Wis 12:15
Forsomuch then as thou art righteous thyself, thou orderest
all things righteously: thinking it not agreeable with thy power
to condemn him that hath not deserved to be punished.

Wis 12:16
For thy power is the beginning of righteousness, and because
thou art the Lord of all, it maketh thee to be gracious unto
all.

Wis 12:17
For when men will not believe that thou art of a full power,
thou shewest thy strength, and among them that know it thou
makest their boldness manifest.

Wis 12:18
But thou, mastering thy power, judgest with equity, and
orderest us with great favour: for thou mayest use power when
thou wilt.

Wis 12:19
But by such works hast thou taught thy people that the just
man should be merciful, and hast made thy children to be of a
good hope that thou givest repentance for sins.

Wis 12:20
For if thou didst punish the enemies of thy children, and the
condemned to death, with such deliberation, giving them time and
place, whereby they might be delivered from their malice:

Wis 12:21
With how great circumspection didst thou judge thine own
sons, unto whose fathers thou hast sworn, and made covenants of
good promises?

Wis 12:22
Therefore, whereas thou dost chasten us, thou scourgest our
enemies a thousand times more, to the intent that, when we
judge, we should carefully think of thy goodness, and when we
ourselves are judged, we should look for mercy.

Wis 12:23
Wherefore, whereas men have lived dissolutely and
unrighteously, thou hast tormented them with their own
abominations.

Wis 12:24
For they went astray very far in the ways of error, and held
them for gods, which even among the beasts of their enemies were
despised, being deceived, as children of no understanding.

Wis 12:25
Therefore unto them, as to children without the use of
reason, thou didst send a judgment to mock them.

Wis 12:26
But they that would not be reformed by that correction,
wherein he dallied with them, shall feel a judgment worthy of
God.

Wis 12:27
For, look, for what things they grudged, when they were
punished, that is, for them whom they thought to be gods; [now]
being punished in them, when they saw it, they acknowledged him
to be the true God, whom before they denied to know: and
therefore came extreme damnation upon them.

Wis 13:1
Surely vain are all men by nature, who are ignorant of God,
and could not out of the good things that are seen know him that
is: neither by considering the works did they acknowledge the
workmaster;

Wis 13:2
But deemed either fire, or wind, or the swift air, or the
circle of the stars, or the violent water, or the lights of
heaven, to be the gods which govern the world.

Wis 13:3
With whose beauty if they being delighted took them to be
gods; let them know how much better the Lord of them is: for the
first author of beauty hath created them.

Wis 13:4
But if they were astonished at their power and virtue, let
them understand by them, how much mightier he is that made them.

Wis 13:5
For by the greatness and beauty of the creatures
proportionably the maker of them is seen.

Wis 13:6
But yet for this they are the less to be blamed: for they
peradventure err, seeking God, and desirous to find him.

Wis 13:7
For being conversant in his works they search him diligently,
and believe their sight: because the things are beautiful that
are seen.

Wis 13:8
Howbeit neither are they to be pardoned.

Wis 13:9
For if they were able to know so much, that they could aim at
the world; how did they not sooner find out the Lord thereof?

Wis 13:10
But miserable are they, and in dead things is their hope, who
call them gods, which are the works of men's hands, gold and
silver, to shew art in, and resemblances of beasts, or a stone
good for nothing, the work of an ancient hand.

Wis 13:11
Now a carpenter that felleth timber, after he hath sawn down
a tree meet for the purpose, and taken off all the bark
skilfully round about, and hath wrought it handsomely, and made
a vessel thereof fit for the service of man's life;

Wis 13:12
And after spending the refuse of his work to dress his meat,
hath filled himself;

Wis 13:13
And taking the very refuse among those which served to no
use, being a crooked piece of wood, and full of knots, hath
carved it diligently, when he had nothing else to do, and formed
it by the skill of his understanding, and fashioned it to the
image of a man;

Wis 13:14
Or made it like some vile beast, laying it over with
vermilion, and with paint colouring it red, and covering every
spot therein;

Wis 13:15
And when he had made a convenient room for it, set it in a
wall, and made it fast with iron:

Wis 13:16
For he provided for it that it might not fall, knowing that
it was unable to help itself; for it is an image, and hath need
of help:

Wis 13:17
Then maketh he prayer for his goods, for his wife and
children, and is not ashamed to speak to that which hath no
life.

Wis 13:18
For health he calleth upon that which is weak: for life
prayeth to that which is dead; for aid humbly beseecheth that
which hath least means to help: and for a good journey he asketh
of that which cannot set a foot forward:

Wis 13:19
And for gaining and getting, and for good success of his
hands, asketh ability to do of him, that is most unable to do
any thing.

Wis 14:1
Again, one preparing himself to sail, and about to pass
through the raging waves, calleth upon a piece of wood more
rotten than the vessel that carrieth him.

Wis 14:2
For verily desire of gain devised that, and the workman built
it by his skill.

Wis 14:3
But thy providence, O Father, governeth it: for thou hast
made a way in the sea, and a safe path in the waves;

Wis 14:4
Shewing that thou canst save from all danger: yea, though a
man went to sea without art.

Wis 14:5
Nevertheless thou wouldest not that the works of thy wisdom
should be idle, and therefore do men commit their lives to a
small piece of wood, and passing the rough sea in a weak vessel
are saved.

Wis 14:6
For in the old time also, when the proud giants perished, the
hope of the world governed by thy hand escaped in a weak vessel,
and left to all ages a seed of generation.

Wis 14:7
For blessed is the wood whereby righteousness cometh.

Wis 14:8
But that which is made with hands is cursed, as well it, as
he that made it: he, because he made it; and it, because, being
corruptible, it was called god.

Wis 14:9
For the ungodly and his ungodliness are both alike hateful
unto God.

Wis 14:10
For that which is made shall be punished together with him
that made it.

Wis 14:11
Therefore even upon the idols of the Gentiles shall there be
a visitation: because in the creature of God they are become an
abomination, and stumblingblocks to the souls of men, and a
snare to the feet of the unwise.

Wis 14:12
For the devising of idols was the beginning of spiritual
fornication, and the invention of them the corruption of life.

Wis 14:13
For neither were they from the beginning, neither shall they
be for ever.

Wis 14:14
For by the vain glory of men they entered into the world, and
therefore shall they come shortly to an end.

Wis 14:15
For a father afflicted with untimely mourning, when he hath
made an image of his child soon taken away, now honoured him as
a god, which was then a dead man, and delivered to those that
were under him ceremonies and sacrifices.

Wis 14:16
Thus in process of time an ungodly custom grown strong was
kept as a law, and graven images were worshipped by the
commandments of kings.

Wis 14:17
Whom men could not honour in presence, because they dwelt far
off, they took the counterfeit of his visage from far, and made
an express image of a king whom they honoured, to the end that
by this their forwardness they might flatter him that was
absent, as if he were present.

Wis 14:18
Also the singular diligence of the artificer did help to set
forward the ignorant to more superstition.

Wis 14:19
For he, peradventure willing to please one in authority,
forced all his skill to make the resemblance of the best
fashion.

Wis 14:20
And so the multitude, allured by the grace of the work, took
him now for a god, which a little before was but honoured.

Wis 14:21
And this was an occasion to deceive the world: for men,
serving either calamity or tyranny, did ascribe unto stones and
stocks the incommunicable name.

Wis 14:22
Moreover this was not enough for them, that they erred in the
knowledge of God; but whereas they lived in the great war of
ignorance, those so great plagues called they peace.

Wis 14:23
For whilst they slew their children in sacrifices, or used
secret ceremonies, or made revellings of strange rites;

Wis 14:24
They kept neither lives nor marriages any longer undefiled:
but either one slew another traiterously, or grieved him by
adultery.

Wis 14:25
So that there reigned in all men without exception blood,
manslaughter, theft, and dissimulation, corruption,
unfaithfulness, tumults, perjury,

Wis 14:26
Disquieting of good men, forgetfulness of good turns,
defiling of souls, changing of kind, disorder in marriages,
adultery, and shameless uncleanness.

Wis 14:27
For the worshipping of idols not to be named is the
beginning, the cause, and the end, of all evil.

Wis 14:28
For either they are mad when they be merry, or prophesy lies,
or live unjustly, or else lightly forswear themselves.

Wis 14:29
For insomuch as their trust is in idols, which have no life;
though they swear falsely, yet they look not to be hurt.

Wis 14:30
Howbeit for both causes shall they be justly punished: both
because they thought not well of God, giving heed unto idols,
and also unjustly swore in deceit, despising holiness.

Wis 14:31
For it is not the power of them by whom they swear: but it is
the just vengeance of sinners, that punisheth always the offence
of the ungodly.

Wis 15:1
But thou, O God, art gracious and true, longsuffering, and in
mercy ordering all things,

Wis 15:2
For if we sin, we are thine, knowing thy power: but we will
not sin, knowing that we are counted thine.

Wis 15:3
For to know thee is perfect righteousness: yea, to know thy
power is the root of immortality.

Wis 15:4
For neither did the mischievous invention of men deceive us,
nor an image spotted with divers colours, the painter's
fruitless labour;

Wis 15:5
The sight whereof enticeth fools to lust after it, and so
they desire the form of a dead image, that hath no breath.

Wis 15:6
Both they that make them, they that desire them, and they
that worship them, are lovers of evil things, and are worthy to
have such things to trust upon.

Wis 15:7
For the potter, tempering soft earth, fashioneth every vessel
with much labour for our service: yea, of the same clay he
maketh both the vessels that serve for clean uses, and likewise
also all such as serve to the contrary: but what is the use of
either sort, the potter himself is the judge.

Wis 15:8
And employing his labours lewdly, he maketh a vain god of the
same clay, even he which a little before was made of earth
himself, and within a little while after returneth to the same,
out when his life which was lent him shall be demanded.

Wis 15:9
Notwithstanding his care is, not that he shall have much
labour, nor that his life is short: but striveth to excel
goldsmiths and silversmiths, and endeavoureth to do like the
workers in brass, and counteth it his glory to make counterfeit
things.

Wis 15:10
His heart is ashes, his hope is more vile than earth, and his
life of less value than clay:

Wis 15:11
Forasmuch as he knew not his Maker, and him that inspired
into him an active soul, and breathed in a living spirit.

Wis 15:12
But they counted our life a pastime, and our time here a
market for gain: for, say they, we must be getting every way,
though it be by evil means.

Wis 15:13
For this man, that of earthly matter maketh brittle vessels
and graven images, knoweth himself to offend above all others.

Wis 15:14
And all the enemies of thy people, that hold them in
subjection, are most foolish, and are more miserable than very
babes.

Wis 15:15
For they counted all the idols of the heathen to be gods:
which neither have the use of eyes to see, nor noses to draw
breath, nor ears to hear, nor fingers of hands to handle; and as
for their feet, they are slow to go.

Wis 15:16
For man made them, and he that borrowed his own spirit
fashioned them: but no man can make a god like unto himself.

Wis 15:17
For being mortal, he worketh a dead thing with wicked hands:
for he himself is better than the things which he worshippeth:
whereas he lived once, but they never.

Wis 15:18
Yea, they worshipped those beasts also that are most hateful:
for being compared together, some are worse than others.

Wis 15:19
Neither are they beautiful, so much as to be desired in
respect of beasts: but they went without the praise of God and
his blessing.

Wis 16:1
Therefore by the like were they punished worthily, and by the
multitude of beasts tormented.

Wis 16:2
Instead of which punishment, dealing graciously with thine
own people, thou preparedst for them meat of a strange taste,
even quails to stir up their appetite:

Wis 16:3
To the end that they, desiring food, might for the ugly sight
of the beasts sent among them lothe even that, which they must
needs desire; but these, suffering penury for a short space,
might be made partakers of a strange taste.

Wis 16:4
For it was requisite, that upon them exercising tyranny
should come penury, which they could not avoid: but to these it
should only be shewed how their enemies were tormented.

Wis 16:5
For when the horrible fierceness of beasts came upon these,
and they perished with the stings of crooked serpents, thy wrath
endured not for ever:

Wis 16:6
But they were troubled for a small season, that they might be
admonished, having a sign of salvation, to put them in
remembrance of the commandment of thy law.

Wis 16:7
For he that turned himself toward it was not saved by the
thing that he saw, but by thee, that art the Saviour of all.

Wis 16:8
And in this thou madest thine enemies confess, that it is
thou who deliverest from all evil:

Wis 16:9
For them the bitings of grasshoppers and flies killed,
neither was there found any remedy for their life: for they were
worthy to be punished by such.

Wis 16:10
But thy sons not the very teeth of venomous dragons overcame:
for thy mercy was ever by them, and healed them.

Wis 16:11
For they were pricked, that they should remember thy words;
and were quickly saved, that not falling into deep
forgetfulness, they might be continually mindful of thy
goodness.

Wis 16:12
For it was neither herb, nor mollifying plaister, that
restored them to health: but thy word, O Lord, which healeth all
things.

Wis 16:13
For thou hast power of life and death: thou leadest to the
gates of hell, and bringest up again.

Wis 16:14
A man indeed killeth through his malice: and the spirit, when
it is gone forth, returneth not; neither the soul received up
cometh again.

Wis 16:15
But it is not possible to escape thine hand.

Wis 16:16
For the ungodly, that denied to know thee, were scourged by
the strength of thine arm: with strange rains, hails, and
showers, were they persecuted, that they could not avoid, and
through fire were they consumed.

Wis 16:17
For, which is most to be wondered at, the fire had more force
in the water, that quencheth all things: for the world fighteth
for the righteous.

Wis 16:18
For sometime the flame was mitigated, that it might not burn
up the beasts that were sent against the ungodly; but themselves
might see and perceive that they were persecuted with the
judgment of God.

Wis 16:19
And at another time it burneth even in the midst of water
above the power of fire, that it might destroy the fruits of an
unjust land.

Wis 16:20
Instead whereof thou feddest thine own people with angels'
food, and didst send them from heaven bread prepared without
their labour, able to content every man's delight, and agreeing
to every taste.

Wis 16:21
For thy sustenance declared thy sweetness unto thy children,
and serving to the appetite of the eater, tempered itself to
every man's liking.

Wis 16:22
But snow and ice endured the fire, and melted not, that they
might know that fire burning in the hail, and sparkling in the
rain, did destroy the fruits of the enemies.

Wis 16:23
But this again did even forget his own strength, that the
righteous might be nourished.

Wis 16:24
For the creature that serveth thee, who art the Maker
increaseth his strength against the unrighteous for their
punishment, and abateth his strength for the benefit of such as
put their trust in thee.

Wis 16:25
Therefore even then was it altered into all fashions, and was
obedient to thy grace, that nourisheth all things, according to
the desire of them that had need:

Wis 16:26
That thy children, O Lord, whom thou lovest, might know, that
it is not the growing of fruits that nourisheth man: but that it
is thy word, which preserveth them that put their trust in thee.

Wis 16:27
For that which was not destroyed of the fire, being warmed
with a little sunbeam, soon melted away:

Wis 16:28
That it might be known, that we must prevent the sun to give
thee thanks, and at the dayspring pray unto thee.

Wis 16:29
For the hope of the unthankful shall melt away as the
winter's hoar frost, and shall run away as unprofitable water.

Wis 17:1
For great are thy judgments, and cannot be expressed:
therefore unnurtured souls have erred.

Wis 17:2
For when unrighteous men thought to oppress the holy nation;
they being shut up in their houses, the prisoners of darkness,
and fettered with the bonds of a long night, lay [there] exiled
from the eternal providence.

Wis 17:3
For while they supposed to lie hid in their secret sins, they
were scattered under a dark veil of forgetfulness, being
horribly astonished, and troubled with [strange] apparitions.

Wis 17:4
For neither might the corner that held them keep them from
fear: but noises [as of waters] falling down sounded about them,
and sad visions appeared unto them with heavy countenances.

Wis 17:5
No power of the fire might give them light: neither could the
bright flames of the stars endure to lighten that horrible
night.

Wis 17:6
Only there appeared unto them a fire kindled of itself, very
dreadful: for being much terrified, they thought the things
which they saw to be worse than the sight they saw not.

Wis 17:7
As for the illusions of art magick, they were put down, and
their vaunting in wisdom was reproved with disgrace.

Wis 17:8
For they, that promised to drive away terrors and troubles
from a sick soul, were sick themselves of fear, worthy to be
laughed at.

Wis 17:9
For though no terrible thing did fear them; yet being scared
with beasts that passed by, and hissing of serpents,

Wis 17:10
They died for fear, denying that they saw the air, which
could of no side be avoided.

Wis 17:11
For wickedness, condemned by her own witness, is very
timorous, and being pressed with conscience, always forecasteth
grievous things.

Wis 17:12
For fear is nothing else but a betraying of the succours
which reason offereth.

Wis 17:13
And the expectation from within, being less, counteth the
ignorance more than the cause which bringeth the torment.

Wis 17:14
But they sleeping the same sleep that night, which was indeed
intolerable, and which came upon them out of the bottoms of
inevitable hell,

Wis 17:15
Were partly vexed with monstrous apparitions, and partly
fainted, their heart failing them: for a sudden fear, and not
looked for, came upon them.

Wis 17:16
So then whosoever there fell down was straitly kept, shut up
in a prison without iron bars,

Wis 17:17
For whether he were husbandman, or shepherd, or a labourer in
the field, he was overtaken, and endured that necessity, which
could not be avoided: for they were all bound with one chain of
darkness.

Wis 17:18
Whether it were a whistling wind, or a melodious noise of
birds among the spreading branches, or a pleasing fall of water
running violently,

Wis 17:19
Or a terrible sound of stones cast down, or a running that
could not be seen of skipping beasts, or a roaring voice of most
savage wild beasts, or a rebounding echo from the hollow
mountains; these things made them to swoon for fear.

Wis 17:20
For the whole world shined with clear light, and none were
hindered in their labour:

Wis 17:21
Over them only was spread an heavy night, an image of that
darkness which should afterward receive them: but yet were they
unto themselves more grievous than the darkness.

Wis 18:1
Nevertheless thy saints had a very great light, whose voice
they hearing, and not seeing their shape, because they also had
not suffered the same things, they counted them happy.

Wis 18:2
But for that they did not hurt them now, of whom they had
been wronged before, they thanked them, and besought them pardon
for that they had been enemies.

Wis 18:3
Instead whereof thou gavest them a burning pillar of fire,
both to be a guide of the unknown journey, and an harmless sun
to entertain them honourably.

Wis 18:4
For they were worthy to be deprived of light and imprisoned
in darkness, who had kept thy sons shut up, by whom the
uncorrupt light of the law was to be given unto the world.

Wis 18:5
And when they had determined to slay the babes of the saints,
one child being cast forth, and saved, to reprove them, thou
tookest away the multitude of their children, and destroyedst
them altogether in a mighty water.

Wis 18:6
Of that night were our fathers certified afore, that
assuredly knowing unto what oaths they had given credence, they
might afterwards be of good cheer.

Wis 18:7
So of thy people was accepted both the salvation of the
righteous, and destruction of the enemies.

Wis 18:8
For wherewith thou didst punish our adversaries, by the same
thou didst glorify us, whom thou hadst called.

Wis 18:9
For the righteous children of good men did sacrifice
secretly, and with one consent made a holy law, that the saints
should be like partakers of the same good and evil, the fathers
now singing out the songs of praise.

Wis 18:10
But on the other side there sounded an ill according cry of
the enemies, and a lamentable noise was carried abroad for
children that were bewailed.

Wis 18:11
The master and the servant were punished after one manner;
and like as the king, so suffered the common person.

Wis 18:12
So they all together had innumerable dead with one kind of
death; neither were the living sufficient to bury them: for in
one moment the noblest offspring of them was destroyed.

Wis 18:13
For whereas they would not believe any thing by reason of the
enchantments; upon the destruction of the firstborn, they
acknowledged this people to be the sons of God.

Wis 18:14
For while all things were in quiet silence, and that night
was in the midst of her swift course,

Wis 18:15
Thine Almighty word leaped down from heaven out of thy royal
throne, as a fierce man of war into the midst of a land of
destruction,

Wis 18:16
And brought thine unfeigned commandment as a sharp sword, and
standing up filled all things with death; and it touched the
heaven, but it stood upon the earth.

Wis 18:17
Then suddenly visions of horrible dreams troubled them sore,
and terrors came upon them unlooked for.

Wis 18:18
And one thrown here, and another there, half dead, shewed the
cause of his death.

Wis 18:19
For the dreams that troubled them did foreshew this, lest
they should perish, and not know why they were afflicted.

Wis 18:20
Yea, the tasting of death touched the righteous also, and
there was a destruction of the multitude in the wilderness: but
the wrath endured not long.

Wis 18:21
For then the blameless man made haste, and stood forth to
defend them; and bringing the shield of his proper ministry,
even prayer, and the propitiation of incense, set himself
against the wrath, and so brought the calamity to an end,
declaring that he was thy servant.

Wis 18:22
So he overcame the destroyer, not with strength of body, nor
force of arms, but with a word subdued him that punished,
alleging the oaths and covenants made with the fathers.

Wis 18:23
For when the dead were now fallen down by heaps one upon
another, standing between, he stayed the wrath, and parted the
way to the living.

Wis 18:24
For in the long garment was the whole world, and in the four
rows of the stones was the glory of the fathers graven, and thy
Majesty upon the daidem of his head.

Wis 18:25
Unto these the destroyer gave place, and was afraid of them:
for it was enough that they only tasted of the wrath.

Wis 19:1
As for the ungodly, wrath came upon them without mercy unto
the end: for he knew before what they would do;

Wis 19:2
How that having given them leave to depart, and sent them
hastily away, they would repent and pursue them.

Wis 19:3
For whilst they were yet mourning and making lamentation at
the graves of the dead, they added another foolish device, and
pursued them as fugitives, whom they had intreated to be gone.

Wis 19:4
For the destiny, whereof they were worthy, drew them unto
this end, and made them forget the things that had already
happened, that they might fulfil the punishment which was
wanting to their torments:

Wis 19:5
And that thy people might pass a wonderful way: but they
might find a strange death.

Wis 19:6
For the whole creature in his proper kind was fashioned again
anew, serving the peculiar commandments that were given unto
them, that thy children might be kept without hurt:

Wis 19:7
As namely, a cloud shadowing the camp; and where water stood
before, dry land appeared; and out of the Red sea a way without
impediment; and out of the violent stream a green field:

Wis 19:8
Wherethrough all the people went that were defended with thy
hand, seeing thy marvellous strange wonders.

Wis 19:9
For they went at large like horses, and leaped like lambs,
praising thee, O Lord, who hadst delivered them.

Wis 19:10
For they were yet mindful of the things that were done while
they sojourned in the strange land, how the ground brought forth
flies instead of cattle, and how the river cast up a multitude
of frogs instead of fishes.

Wis 19:11
But afterwards they saw a new generation of fowls, when,
being led with their appetite, they asked delicate meats.

Wis 19:12
For quails came up unto them from the sea for their
contentment.

Wis 19:13
And punishments came upon the sinners not without former
signs by the force of thunders: for they suffered justly
according to their own wickedness, insomuch as they used a more
hard and hateful behaviour toward strangers.

Wis 19:14
For the Sodomites did not receive those, whom they knew not
when they came: but these brought friends into bondage, that had
well deserved of them.

Wis 19:15
And not only so, but peradventure some respect shall be had
of those, because they used strangers not friendly:

Wis 19:16
But these very grievously afflicted them, whom they had
received with feastings, and were already made partakers of the
same laws with them.

Wis 19:17
Therefore even with blindness were these stricken, as those
were at the doors of the righteous man: when, being compassed
about with horrible great darkness, every one sought the passage
of his own doors.

Wis 19:18
For the elements were changed in themselves by a kind of
harmony, like as in a psaltery notes change the name of the
tune, and yet are always sounds; which may well be perceived by
the sight of the things that have been done.

Wis 19:19
For earthly things were turned into watery, and the things,
that before swam in the water, now went upon the ground.

Wis 19:20
The fire had power in the water, forgetting his own virtue:
and the water forgat his own quenching nature.

Wis 19:21
On the other side, the flames wasted not the flesh of the
corruptible living things, though they walked therein; neither
melted they the icy kind of heavenly meat that was of nature apt
to melt.

Wis 19:22
For in all things, O Lord, thou didst magnify thy people, and
glorify them, neither didst thou lightly regard them: but didst
assist them in every time and place.




The Book of Sirach (or Ecclesiasticus)
[The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus]



Sir 1
[A Prologue made by an uncertain Author]
This Jesus was the son of Sirach, and grandchild to
Jesus of the same name with him: this man therefore lived in the
latter times, after the people had been led away captive, and
called home a again, and almost after all the prophets. Now his
grandfather Jesus, as he himself witnesseth, was a man of great
diligence and wisdom among the Hebrews, who did not only gather
the grave and short sentences of wise men, that had been before
him, but himself also uttered some of his own, full of much
understanding and wisdom. When as therefore the first Jesus
died, leaving this book almost perfected, Sirach his son
receiving it after him left it to his own son Jesus, who, having
gotten it into his hands, compiled it all orderly into one
volume, and called it Wisdom, intituling it both by his own
name, his father's name, and his grandfather's; alluring the
hearer by the very name of Wisdom to have a greater love to the
study of this book. It containeth therefore wise sayings, dark
sentences, and parables, and certain particular ancient godly
stories of men that pleased God; also his prayer and song;
moreover, what benefits God had vouchsafed his people, and what
plagues he had heaped upon their enemies. This Jesus did imitate
Solomon, and was no less famous for wisdom and learning, both
being indeed a man of great learning, and so reputed also.

[The Prologue of the Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach.]
Whereas many and great things have been delivered unto us by the law
and the prophets, and by others that have followed their steps,
for the which things Israel ought to be commended for learning
and wisdom; and whereof not only the readers must needs become
skilful themselves, but also they that desire to learn be able
to profit them which are without, both by speaking and writing:
my grandfather Jesus, when he had much given himself to the
reading of the law, and the prophets, and other books of our
fathers, and had gotten therein good judgment, was drawn on also
himself to write something pertaining to learning and wisdom; to
the intent that those which are desirous to learn, and are
addicted to these things, might profit much more in living
according to the law. Wherefore let me intreat you to read it
with favour and attention, and to pardon us, wherein we may seem
to come short of some words, which we have laboured to
interpret. For the same things uttered in Hebrew, and translated
into another tongue, have not the same force in them: and not
only these things, but the law itself, and the prophets, and the
rest of the books, have no small difference, when they are
spoken in their own language. For in the eight and thirtieth
year coming into Egypt, when Euergetes was king, and continuing
there some time, I found a book of no small learning: therefore
I thought it most necessary for me to bestow some diligence and
travail to interpret it; using great watchfulness and skill in
that space to bring the book to an end, and set it forth for
them also, which in a strange country are willing to learn,
being prepared before in manners to live after the law.

Sir 1:1
All wisdom cometh from the Lord, and is with him for ever.

Sir 1:2
Who can number the sand of the sea, and the drops of rain,
and the days of eternity?

Sir 1:3
Who can find out the height of heaven, and the breadth of the
earth, and the deep, and wisdom?

Sir 1:4
Wisdom hath been created before all things, and the
understanding of prudence from everlasting.

Sir 1:5
The word of God most high is the fountain of wisdom; and her
ways are everlasting commandments.

Sir 1:6
To whom hath the root of wisdom been revealed? or who hath
known her wise counsels?

Sir 1:7
[Unto whom hath the knowledge of wisdom been made manifest?
and who hath understood her great experience?]

Sir 1:8
There is one wise and greatly to be feared, the Lord sitting
upon his throne.

Sir 1:9
He created her, and saw her, and numbered her, and poured her
out upon all his works.

Sir 1:10
She is with all flesh according to his gift, and he hath
given her to them that love him.

Sir 1:11
The fear of the Lord is honour, and glory, and gladness, and
a crown of rejoicing.

Sir 1:12
The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy,
and gladness, and a long life.

Sir 1:13
Whoso feareth the Lord, it shall go well with him at the
last, and he shall find favour in the day of his death.

Sir 1:14
To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and it was
created with the faithful in the womb.

Sir 1:15
She hath built an everlasting foundation with men, and she
shall continue with their seed.

Sir 1:16
To fear the Lord is fulness of wisdom, and filleth men with
her fruits.

Sir 1:17
She filleth all their house with things desirable, and the
garners with her increase.

Sir 1:18
The fear of the Lord is a crown of wisdom, making peace and
perfect health to flourish; both which are the gifts of God: and
it enlargeth their rejoicing that love him.

Sir 1:19
Wisdom raineth down skill and knowledge of understanding
standing, and exalteth them to honour that hold her fast.

Sir 1:20
The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and the branches
thereof are long life.

Sir 1:21
The fear of the Lord driveth away sins: and where it is
present, it turneth away wrath.

Sir 1:22
A furious man cannot be justified; for the sway of his fury
shall be his destruction.

Sir 1:23
A patient man will tear for a time, and afterward joy shall
spring up unto him.

Sir 1:24
He will hide his words for a time, and the lips of many shall
declare his wisdom.

Sir 1:25
The parables of knowledge are in the treasures of wisdom: but
godliness is an abomination to a sinner.

Sir 1:26
If thou desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord
shall give her unto thee.

Sir 1:27
For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction: and faith
and meekness are his delight.

Sir 1:28
Distrust not the fear of the Lord when thou art poor: and
come not unto him with a double heart.

Sir 1:29
Be not an hypocrite in the sight of men, and take good heed
what thou speakest.

Sir 1:30
Exalt not thyself, lest thou fall, and bring dishonour upon
thy soul, and so God discover thy secrets, and cast thee down in
the midst of the congregation, because thou camest not in truth
to the fear of the Lord, but thy heart is full of deceit.

Sir 2:1
My son, if thou come to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for
temptation.

Sir 2:2
Set thy heart aright, and constantly endure, and make not
haste in time of trouble.

Sir 2:3
Cleave unto him, and depart not away, that thou mayest be
increased at thy last end.

Sir 2:4
Whatsoever is brought upon thee take cheerfully, and be
patient when thou art changed to a low estate.

Sir 2:5
For gold is tried in the fire, and acceptable men in the
furnace of adversity.

Sir 2:6
Believe in him, and he will help thee; order thy way aright,
and trust in him.

Sir 2:7
Ye that fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and go not aside,
lest ye fall.

Sir 2:8
Ye that fear the Lord, believe him; and your reward shall not
fail.

Sir 2:9
Ye that fear the Lord, hope for good, and for everlasting joy
and mercy.

Sir 2:10
Look at the generations of old, and see; did ever any trust
in the Lord, and was confounded? or did any abide in his fear,
and was forsaken? or whom did he ever despise, that called upon
him?

Sir 2:11
For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, longsuffering,
and very pitiful, and forgiveth sins, and saveth in time of
affliction.

Sir 2:12
Woe be to fearful hearts, and faint hands, and the sinner
that goeth two ways!

Sir 2:13
Woe unto him that is fainthearted! for he believeth not;
therefore shall he not be defended.

Sir 2:14
Woe unto you that have lost patience! and what will ye do
when the Lord shall visit you?

Sir 2:15
They that fear the Lord will not disobey his Word; and they
that love him will keep his ways.

Sir 2:16
They that fear the Lord will seek that which is well,
pleasing unto him; and they that love him shall be filled with
the law.

Sir 2:17
They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and humble
their souls in his sight,

Sir 2:18
Saying, We will fall into the hands of the Lord, and not into
the hands of men: for as his majesty is, so is his mercy.

Sir 3:1
Hear me your father, O children, and do thereafter, that ye
may be safe.

Sir 3:2
For the Lord hath given the father honour over the children,
and hath confirmed the authority of the mother over the sons.

Sir 3:3
Whoso honoureth his father maketh an atonement for his sins:

Sir 3:4
And he that honoureth his mother is as one that layeth up
treasure.

Sir 3:5
Whoso honoureth his father shall have joy of his own
children; and when he maketh his prayer, he shall be heard.

Sir 3:6
He that honoureth his father shall have a long life; and he
that is obedient unto the Lord shall be a comfort to his mother.

Sir 3:7
He that feareth the Lord will honour his father, and will do
service unto his parents, as to his masters.

Sir 3:8
Honour thy father and mother both in word and deed, that a
blessing may come upon thee from them.

Sir 3:9
For the blessing of the father establisheth the houses of
children; but the curse of the mother rooteth out foundations.

Sir 3:10
Glory not in the dishonour of thy father; for thy father's
dishonour is no glory unto thee.

Sir 3:11
For the glory of a man is from the honour of his father; and
a mother in dishonour is a reproach to the children.

Sir 3:12
My son, help thy father in his age, and grieve him not as
long as he liveth.

Sir 3:13
And if his understanding fail, have patience with him; and
despise him not when thou art in thy full strength.

Sir 3:14
For the relieving of thy father shall not be forgotten: and
instead of sins it shall be added to build thee up.

Sir 3:15
In the day of thine affliction it shall be remembered; thy
sins also shall melt away, as the ice in the fair warm weather.

Sir 3:16
He that forsaketh his father is as a blasphemer; and he that
angereth his mother is cursed: of God.

Sir 3:17
My son, go on with thy business in meekness; so shalt thou be
beloved of him that is approved.

Sir 3:18
The greater thou art, the more humble thyself, and thou shalt
find favour before the Lord.

Sir 3:19
Many are in high place, and of renown: but mysteries are
revealed unto the meek.

Sir 3:20
For the power of the Lord is great, and he is honoured of the
lowly.

Sir 3:21
Seek not out things that are too hard for thee, neither
search the things that are above thy strength.

Sir 3:22
But what is commanded thee, think thereupon with reverence,
for it is not needful for thee to see with thine eyes the things
that are in secret.

Sir 3:23
Be not curious in unnecessary matters: for more things are
shewed unto thee than men understand.

Sir 3:24
For many are deceived by their own vain opinion; and an evil
suspicion hath overthrown their judgment.

Sir 3:25
Without eyes thou shalt want light: profess not the knowledge
therefore that thou hast not.

Sir 3:26
A stubborn heart shall fare evil at the last; and he that
loveth danger shall perish therein.

Sir 3:27
An obstinate heart shall be laden with sorrows; and the
wicked man shall heap sin upon sin.

Sir 3:28
In the punishment of the proud there is no remedy; for the
plant of wickedness hath taken root in him.

Sir 3:29
The heart of the prudent will understand a parable; and an
attentive ear is the desire of a wise man.

Sir 3:30
Water will quench a flaming fire; and alms maketh an
atonement for sins.

Sir 3:31
And he that requiteth good turns is mindful of that which may
come hereafter; and when he falleth, he shall find a stay.

Sir 4:1
My son, defraud not the poor of his living, and make not the
needy eyes to wait long.

Sir 4:2
Make not an hungry soul sorrowful; neither provoke a man in
his distress.

Sir 4:3
Add not more trouble to an heart that is vexed; and defer not
to give to him that is in need.

Sir 4:4
Reject not the supplication of the afflicted; neither turn
away thy face from a poor man.

Sir 4:5
Turn not away thine eye from the needy, and give him none
occasion to curse thee:

Sir 4:6
For if he curse thee in the bitterness of his soul, his
prayer shall be heard of him that made him.

Sir 4:7
Get thyself the love of the congregation, and bow thy head to
a great man.

Sir 4:8
Let it not grieve thee to bow down thine ear to the poor, and
give him a friendly answer with meekness.

Sir 4:9
Deliver him that suffereth wrong from the hand of the
oppressor; and be not fainthearted when thou sittest in
judgment.

Sir 4:10
Be as a father unto the fatherless, and instead of an husband
unto their mother: so shalt thou be as the son of the most High,
and he shall love thee more than thy mother doth.

Sir 4:11
Wisdom exalteth her children, and layeth hold of them that
seek her.

Sir 4:12
He that loveth her loveth life; and they that seek to her
early shall be filled with joy.

Sir 4:13
He that holdeth her fast shall inherit glory; and wheresoever
she entereth, the Lord will bless.

Sir 4:14
They that serve her shall minister to the Holy One: and them
that love her the Lord doth love.

Sir 4:15
Whoso giveth ear unto her shall judge the nations: and he
that attendeth unto her shall dwell securely.

Sir 4:16
If a man commit himself unto her, he shall inherit her; and
his generation shall hold her in possession.

Sir 4:17
For at the first she will walk with him by crooked ways, and
bring fear and dread upon him, and torment him with her
discipline, until she may trust his soul, and try him by her
laws.

Sir 4:18
Then will she return the straight way unto him, and comfort
him, and shew him her secrets.

Sir 4:19
But if he go wrong, she will forsake him, and give him over
to his own ruin.

Sir 4:20
Observe the opportunity, and beware of evil; and be not
ashamed when it concerneth thy soul.

Sir 4:21
For there is a shame that bringeth sin; and there is a shame
which is glory and grace.

Sir 4:22
Accept no person against thy soul, and let not the reverence
of any man cause thee to fall.

Sir 4:23
And refrain not to speak, when there is occasion to do good,
and hide not thy wisdom in her beauty.

Sir 4:24
For by speech wisdom shall be known: and learning by the word
of the tongue.

Sir 4:25
In no wise speak against the truth; but be abashed of the
error of thine ignorance.

Sir 4:26
Be not ashamed to confess thy sins; and force not the course
of the river.

Sir 4:27
Make not thyself an underling to a foolish man; neither
accept the person of the mighty.

Sir 4:28
Strive for the truth unto death, and the Lord shall fight for
thee.

Sir 4:29
Be not hasty in thy tongue, and in thy deeds slack and
remiss.

Sir 4:30
Be not as a lion in thy house, nor frantick among thy
servants.

Sir 4:31
Let not thine hand be stretched out to receive, and shut when
thou shouldest repay.

Sir 5:1
Set thy heart upon thy goods; and say not, I have enough for
my life.

Sir 5:2
Follow not thine own mind and thy strength, to walk in the
ways of thy heart:

Sir 5:3
And say not, Who shall controul me for my works? for the Lord
will surely revenge thy pride.

Sir 5:4
Say not, I have sinned, and what harm hath happened unto me?
for the Lord is longsuffering, he will in no wise let thee go.

Sir 5:5
Concerning propitiation, be not without fear to add sin unto
sin:

Sir 5:6
And say not His mercy is great; he will be pacified for the
multitude of my sins: for mercy and wrath come from him, and his
indignation resteth upon sinners.

Sir 5:7
Make no tarrying to turn to the Lord, and put not off from
day to day: for suddenly shall the wrath of the Lord come forth,
and in thy security thou shalt be destroyed, and perish in the
day of vengeance.

Sir 5:8
Set not thine heart upon goods unjustly gotten, for they
shall not profit thee in the day of calamity.

Sir 5:9
Winnow not with every wind, and go not into every way: for so
doth the sinner that hath a double tongue.

Sir 5:10
Be stedfast in thy understanding; and let thy word be the
same.

Sir 5:11
Be swift to hear; and let thy life be sincere; and with
patience give answer.

Sir 5:12
If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbour; if not, lay
thy hand upon thy mouth.

Sir 5:13
Honour and shame is in talk: and the tongue of man is his
fall.

Sir 5:14
Be not called a whisperer, and lie not in wait with thy
tongue: for a foul shame is upon the thief, and an evil
condemnation upon the double tongue.

Sir 5:15
Be not ignorant of any thing in a great matter or a small.

Sir 6:1
Instead of a friend become not an enemy; for [thereby] thou
shalt inherit an ill name, shame, and reproach: even so shall a
sinner that hath a double tongue.

Sir 6:2
Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart; that thy
soul be not torn in pieces as a bull [straying alone.]

Sir 6:3
Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave
thyself as a dry tree.

Sir 6:4
A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make
him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.

Sir 6:5
Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fairspeaking
tongue will increase kind greetings.

Sir 6:6
Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor
of a thousand.

Sir 6:7
If thou wouldest get a friend, prove him first and be not
hasty to credit him.

Sir 6:8
For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not
abide in the day of thy trouble.

Sir 6:9
And there is a friend, who being turned to enmity, and strife
will discover thy reproach.

Sir 6:10
Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not
continue in the day of thy affliction.

Sir 6:11
But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself, and will be bold
over thy servants.

Sir 6:12
If thou be brought low, he will be against thee, and will
hide himself from thy face.

Sir 6:13
Separate thyself from thine enemies, and take heed of thy
friends.

Sir 6:14
A faithfu1l friend is a strong defence: and he that hath
found such an one hath found a treasure.

Sir 6:15
Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend, and his
excellency is invaluable.

Sir 6:16
A faithful friend is the medicine of life; and they that fear
the Lord shall find him.

Sir 6:17
Whoso feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright:
for as he is, so shall his neighbour be also.

Sir 6:18
My son, gather instruction from thy youth up: so shalt thou
find wisdom till thine old age.

Sir 6:19
Come unto her as one that ploweth and soweth, and wait for
her good fruits: for thou shalt not toil much in labouring about
her, but thou shalt eat of her fruits right soon.

Sir 6:20
She is very unpleasant to the unlearned: he that is without
understanding will not remain with her.

Sir 6:21
She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial; and he will
cast her from him ere it be long.

Sir 6:22
For wisdom is according to her name, and she is not manifest
unto many.

Sir 6:23
Give ear, my son, receive my advice, and refuse not my
counsel,

Sir 6:24
And put thy feet into her fetters, and thy neck into her
chain.

Sir 6:25
Bow down thy shoulder, and bear her, and be not grieved with
her bonds.

Sir 6:26
Come unto her with thy whole heart, and keep her ways with
all thy power.

Sir 6:27
Search, and seek, and she shall be made known unto thee: and
when thou hast got hold of her, let her not go.

Sir 6:28
For at the last thou shalt find her rest, and that shall be
turned to thy joy.

Sir 6:29
Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee, and her
chains a robe of glory.

Sir 6:30
For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are
purple lace.

Sir 6:31
Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour, and shalt put her
about thee as a crown of joy.

Sir 6:32
My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be taught: and if thou wilt
apply thy mind, thou shalt be prudent.

Sir 6:33
If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and
if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise,

Sir 6:34
Stand in the multitude of the elders; and cleave unto him
that is wise.

Sir 6:35
Be willing to hear every godly discourse; and let not the
parables of understanding escape thee.

Sir 6:36
And if thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes
unto him, and let thy foot wear the steps of his door.

Sir 6:37
Let thy mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord and meditate
continually in his commandments: he shall establish thine heart,
and give thee wisdom at thine owns desire.

Sir 7:1
Do no evil, so shall no harm come unto thee.

Sir 7:2
Depart from the unjust, and iniquity shall turn away from
thee.

Sir 7:3
My son, sow not upon the furrows of unrighteousness, and thou
shalt not reap them sevenfold.

Sir 7:4
Seek not of the Lord preeminence, neither of the king the
seat of honour.

Sir 7:5
justify not thyself before the Lord; and boast not of thy
wisdom before the king.

Sir 7:6
Seek not to be judge, being not able to take away iniquity;
lest at any time thou fear the person of the mighty, an
stumblingblock in the way of thy uprightness.

Sir 7:7
Offend not against the multitude of a city, and then thou
shalt not cast thyself down among the people.

Sir 7:8
Bind not one sin upon another; for in one thou shalt not be
unpunished.

Sir 7:9
Say not, God will look upon the multitude of my oblations,
and when I offer to the most high God, he will accept it.

Sir 7:10
Be not fainthearted when thou makest thy prayer, and neglect
not to give alms.

Sir 7:11
Laugh no man to scorn in the bitterness of his soul: for
there is one which humbleth and exalteth.

Sir 7:12
Devise not a lie against thy brother; neither do the like to
thy friend.

Sir 7:13
Use not to make any manner of lie: for the custom thereof is
not good.

Sir 7:14
Use not many words in a multitude of elders, and make not
much babbling when thou prayest.

Sir 7:15
Hate not laborious work, neither husbandry, which the most
High hath ordained.

Sir 7:16
Number not thyself among the multitude of sinners, but
remember that wrath will not tarry long.

Sir 7:17
Humble thyself greatly: for the vengeance of the ungodly is
fire and worms.

Sir 7:18
Change not a friend for any good by no means; neither a
faithful brother for the gold of Ophir.

Sir 7:19
Forego not a wise and good woman: for her grace is above
gold.

Sir 7:20
Whereas thy servant worketh truly, entreat him not evil. nor
the hireling that bestoweth himself wholly for thee.

Sir 7:21
Let thy soul love a good servant, and defraud him not of
liberty.

Sir 7:22
Hast thou cattle? have an eye to them: and if they be for thy
profit, keep them with thee.

Sir 7:23
Hast thou children? instruct them, and bow down their neck
from their youth.

Sir 7:24
Hast thou daughters? have a care of their body, and shew not
thyself cheerful toward them.

Sir 7:25
Marry thy daughter, and so shalt thou have performed a
weighty matter: but give her to a man of understanding.

Sir 7:26
Hast thou a wife after thy mind? forsake her not: but give
not thyself over to a light woman.

Sir 7:27
Honour thy father with thy whole heart, and forget not the
sorrows of thy mother.

Sir 7:28
Remember that thou wast begotten of them; and how canst thou
recompense them the things that they have done for thee?

Sir 7:29
Fear the Lord with all thy soul, and reverence his priests.

Sir 7:30
Love him that made thee with all thy strength, and forsake
not his ministers.

Sir 7:31
Fear the Lord, and honor the priest; and give him his
portion, as it is commanded thee; the firstfruits, and the
trespass offering, and the gift of the shoulders, and the
sacrifice of sanctification, and the firstfruits of the holy
things.

Sir 7:32
And stretch thine hand unto the poor, that thy blessing may
be perfected.

Sir 7:33
A gift hath grace in the sight of every man living; and for
the dead detain it not.

Sir 7:34
Fail not to be with them that weep, and mourn with them that
mourn.

Sir 7:35
Be not slow to visit the sick: fir that shall make thee to be
beloved.

Sir 7:36
Whatsoever thou takest in hand, remember the end, and thou
shalt never do amiss.

Sir 8:1
Strive not with a mighty man' lest thou fall into his hands.

Sir 8:2
Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh thee:
for gold hath destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings.

Sir 8:3
Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not
wood upon his fire.

Sir 8:4
Jest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced.

Sir 8:5
Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that
we are all worthy of punishment.

Sir 8:6
Dishonour not a man in his old age: for even some of us wax
old.

Sir 8:7
Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead, but remember
that we die all.

Sir 8:8
Despise not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint thyself
with their proverbs: for of them thou shalt learn instruction,
and how to serve great men with ease.

Sir 8:9
Miss not the discourse of the elders: for they also learned
of their fathers, and of them thou shalt learn understanding,
and to give answer as need requireth.

Sir 8:10
Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the
flame of his fire.

Sir 8:11
Rise not up [in anger] at the presence of an injurious
person, lest he lie in wait to entrap thee in thy words

Sir 8:12
Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself; for if thou
lendest him, count it but lost.

Sir 8:13
Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take
care to pay it.

Sir 8:14
Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him
according to his honour.

Sir 8:15
Travel not by the way with a bold fellow, lest he become
grievous unto thee: for he will do according to his own will,
and thou shalt perish with him through his folly.

Sir 8:16
Strive not with an angry man, and go not with him into a
solitary place: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where
there is no help, he will overthrow thee.

Sir 8:17
Consult not with a fool; for he cannot keep counsel.

Sir 8:18
Do no secret thing before a stranger; for thou knowest not
what he will bring forth.