31:1 The hopes of a man void of understanding are vain and false: and dreams lift up fools.

31:2 Whoso regardeth dreams is like him that catcheth at a shadow, and followeth after the wind.

31:3 The vision of dreams is the resemblance of one thing to another, even as the likeness of a face to a face.

31:4 Of an unclean thing what can be cleansed? and from that thing which is false what truth can come?

31:5 Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams, are vain: and the heart fancieth, as a woman's heart in travail.

31:6 If they be not sent from the most High in thy visitation, set not thy heart upon them.

31:7 For dreams have deceived many, and they have failed that put their trust in them.

31:8 The law shall be found perfect without lies: and wisdom is perfection to a faithful mouth.

31:9 A man that hath travelled knoweth many things: and he that hath much experience will declare wisdom.

31:10 He that hath no experience knoweth little: but he that hath travelled is full of prudence.

31:11 When I travelled, I saw many things; and I understand more than I can express.

31:12 I was oft-times in danger of death: yet I was delivered because of these things.

31:13 The spirit of those that fear the Lord shall live; for their hope is in him that saveth them.

31:14 Whoso feareth the Lord shall not fear nor be afraid; for he is his hope.

31:15 Blessed is the soul of him that feareth the Lord: to whom doth he look? and who is his strength?

31:16 For the eyes of the Lord are upon them that love him, he is their mighty protection and strong stay, a defence from heat, and a cover from the sun at noon, a preservation from stumbling, and an help from falling;

31:17 he raiseth up the soul, and lighteneth the eyes: he giveth health, life, and blessing.

31:18 He that sacrificeth of a thing wrongfully gotten, his offering is ridiculous; and the gifts of unjust men are not accepted.

31:19 The most High is not pleased with the offerings of the wicked; neither is he pacified for sin by the multitude of sacrifices.

31:20 Whoso bringeth an offering of the goods of the poor doeth as one that killeth the son before his father's eyes.

31:21 The bread of the needy is their life: he that defraudeth him thereof is a man of blood.

31:22 He that taketh away his neighbour's living slayeth him; and he that defraudeth the labourer his hire is a bloodshedder.

31:23 When one buildeth, and another pulleth down, what profit have they then but labour?

31:24 When one prayeth, and another curseth, whose voice will the Lord hear?

31:25 He that washeth himself after the touching of a dead body, if he touch it again, what availeth his washing?

31:26 So is it with a man that fasteth for his sins, and goeth again, and doeth the same: who will hear his prayer? or what doth his humbling profit him?