[1] Vain and false hopes are for a man void of understanding; And dreams give wings to fools.
[2] As one that catcheth at a shadow, and follows after the wind, So is he that sets his mind on dreams.
[3] The vision of dreams isas this thing against that, The likeness of a face over against a face.
[4] Of an unclean thing what shall be cleansed? And of that which is false what shall be true?
[5] Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams, are vain: And the heart fancieth, as a woman's in travail.
[6] If they be not sent from the Most High inyour visitation, Give not your heart to them.
[7] For dreams have led many astray: And they have failed by putting their hope in them.
[8] Without lying shall the law be accomplished; And wisdom is perfection to a faithful mouth.
[9] A well-instructed man knows many things; And he that has much experience will declare understanding.
[10] He that has no experience knows few things: But he that has wandered shall increasehis skill.
[11] In my wandering I have seen many things; And more than my words is my understanding.
[12] Ofttimes was I in danger even to death; And I was preserved because of these things.
[13] The spirit of those that fear the Lord shall live; For their hope is upon him that saveth them.
[14] Whoso feareth the Lord shall not be afraid, and shall not play the coward; For he is his hope.
[15] Blessed is the soul of him that feareth the Lord: To whom does he give heed? and who is his stay?
[16] The eyes of the Lord are upon them that love him, A mighty protection and strong stay, A cover from the hot blast, and a cover from the noonday, A guard from stumbling, and a succour from falling.
[17] He raiseth up the soul, and enlighteneth the eyes: He gives healing, life, and blessing.
[18] He that sacrificeth of a thing wrongfully gotten, his offering is made in mockery; And the mockeries of wicked men are not well-pleasing.
[19] The Most High has no pleasure in the offerings of the ungodly; Neither is he pacified for sins by the multitude of sacrifices.
[20] As one that killeth the son before his father's eyes Is he that brings a sacrifice from the goods of the poor.
[21] The bread of the needy is the life of the poor: He that depriveth him thereof is a man of blood.
[22] As one that slayeth his neighbor is he that takes away his living; Andas a shedder of blood is he that depriveth a hireling of his hire.
[23] One building, and another pulling down, What profit have they had but toil?
[24] One praying, and another cursing, Whose voice will the Lord listen to?
[25] He that washeth himself aftertouching a dead body, and toucheth it again, What profit has he in his washing?
[26] Even so a man fasting for his sins, And going again, and doing the same; Who will listen to his prayer? And what profit has he in his humiliation?