1
Great travail is created for every man and an heavy yoke is upon the sons of Adam from the day that they go out of their other’s womb till the day that they return to the mother of all things
2
Their imagination of things to come and the day of death trouble their thoughts and cause fear of heart
3
From him that sitteth on a throne of glory unto him that is humbled in earth and ashes
4
From him that weareth purple and a crown unto him that is clothed with a linen frock
5
Wrath and envy trouble and unquietness fear of death and anger and strife and in the time of rest upon his bed his night sleep do change his knowledge
6
A little or nothing is his rest and afterward he is in his sleep as in a day of keeping watch troubled in the vision of his heart as if he were escaped out of a battle
7
When all is safe he awaketh and marvelleth that the fear was nothing
8
Such things happen unto all flesh both man and beast and that is sevenfold more upon sinners
9
Death and bloodshed strife and sword calamities famine tribulation and the scourge
10
These things are created for the wicked and for their sakes came the flood
11
All things that are of the earth shall turn to the earth again and that which is of the waters doth return into the sea
12
All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out but true dealing shall endure for ever
13
The goods of the unjust shall be dried up like a river and shall vanish with noise like a great thunder in rain
14
While he openeth his hand he shall rejoice so shall transgressors come to nought
15
The children of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches but are as unclean roots upon a hard rock
16
The weed growing upon every water and bank of a river shall be pulled up before all grass
17
Bountifulness is as a most fruitful garden and mercifulness endureth for ever
18
To labour and to be content with that a man hath is a sweet life but he that findeth a treasure is above them both
19
Children and the building of a city continu a man’s name but a blameless wife is counted above them both
20
Wine and musick rejoice the heart but the love of wisdom is above them both
21
The pipe and the psaltery make sweet melody but a pleasant tongue is above them both
22
Thine eye desireth favour and beauty but more than both corn while it is green
23
A friend and companion never meet amiss but above both is a wife with her husband
24
Brethren and help are against time of trouble but alms shall deliver more than them both
25
Gold and silver make the foot stand sure but counsel is esteemed above them both
26
Riches and strength lift up the heart but the fear of the Lord is above them both there is no want in the fear of the Lord and it needeth not to seek help
27
The fear of the Lord is a fruitful garden and covereth him above all glory
28
My son lead not a eggar’s life for better it is to die than to beg
29
The life of him that dependeth on anot r man’s table is not to be counted for a life for he polluteth himself with ot r men’s meat but a wise man well nurtured will beware thereof
30
Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless but in his belly there shall burn a fire