1 W ine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.

2 T he terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.

3 K eeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will quarrel.

4 T he sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing.

5 A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out.

6 M any a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man?

7 A righteous man who walks in his integrity— How blessed are his sons after him.

8 A king who sits on the throne of justice Disperses all evil with his eyes.

9 W ho can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin”?

10 D iffering weights and differing measures, Both of them are abominable to the Lord.

11 I t is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right.

12 T he hearing ear and the seeing eye, The Lord has made both of them.

13 D o not love sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food.

14 “ Bad, bad,” says the buyer, But when he goes his way, then he boasts.

15 T here is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.

16 T ake his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger; And for foreigners, hold him in pledge.

17 B read obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.

18 P repare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance.

19 H e who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip.

20 H e who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in time of darkness.

21 A n inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end.

22 D o not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.

23 D iffering weights are an abomination to the Lord, And a false scale is not good.

24 M an’s steps are ordained by the Lord, How then can man understand his way?

25 I t is a trap for a man to say rashly, “It is holy!” And after the vows to make inquiry.

26 A wise king winnows the wicked, And drives the threshing wheel over them.

27 T he spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the innermost parts of his being.

28 L oyalty and truth preserve the king, And he upholds his throne by righteousness.

29 T he glory of young men is their strength, And the honor of old men is their gray hair.

30 S tripes that wound scour away evil, And strokes reach the innermost parts.