1 B etter is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

2 A lso it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet.

3 T he foolishness of a man twists his way, And his heart frets against the Lord.

4 W ealth 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 M any entreat the favor of the nobility, And every man is a friend to one who gives gifts.

7 A ll 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 H e 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 L uxury is not fitting for a fool, Much less for a servant to rule over princes.

11 T he discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression.

12 T he 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 H ouses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord.

15 L aziness casts one into a deep sleep, And an idle person will suffer hunger.

16 H e who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of his ways will die.

17 H e who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.

18 C hasten 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 L isten to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days.

21 T here are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord ’s counsel—that will stand.

22 W hat is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar.

23 T he 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 S trike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.

26 H e who mistreats his father and chases away his mother Is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.

27 C ease 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 J udgments are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of fools.