1 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. |
2 Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet. |
3 The foolishness of a man twists his way, And his heart frets against the LORD. |
4 Wealth makes many friends, But the poor is separated from his friend. |
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape. |
6 Many entreat the favor of the nobility, And every man is a friend to one who gives gifts. |
7 All the brothers of the poor hate him; How much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him. |
8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. |
9 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies shall perish. |
10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool, Much less for a servant to rule over princes. |
11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression. |
12 The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass. |
13 A foolish son is the ruin of his father, And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping. |
14 Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the LORD. |
15 Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, And an idle person will suffer hunger. |
16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of his ways will die. |
17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given. |
18 Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction. |
19 A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. |
20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days. |
21 There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the LORD'S counsel--that will stand. |
22 What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar. |
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil. |
24 A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. |
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge. |
26 He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother Is a son who causes shame and brings reproach. |
27 Cease listening to instruction, my son, And you will stray from the words of knowledge. |
28 A disreputable witness scorns justice, And the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity. |
29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of fools. |