[1] Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a man who is
perverse in speech, and is a fool. [2] It is not good for a man to be
without knowledge, and he who makes haste with his feet misses his way. [3]
When a man's folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the
LORD. [4] Wealth brings many new friends, but a poor man is deserted by his
friend. [5] A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who utters lies
will not escape. [6] Many seek the favor of a generous man, and every one
is a friend to a man who gives gifts. [7] All a poor man's brothers hate
him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with
words, but does not have them. [8] He who gets wisdom loves himself; he who
keeps understanding will prosper. [9] A false witness will not go
unpunished, and he who utters lies will perish. [10] It is not fitting for
a fool to live in luxury, much less for a slave to rule over princes. [11]
Good sense makes a man slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an
offense. [12] A king's wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favor
is like dew upon the grass. [13] A foolish son is ruin to his father, and a
wife's quarreling is a continual dripping of rain. [14] House and wealth
are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD. [15]
Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer
hunger. [16] He who keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises
the word will die. [17] He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and
he will repay him for his deed. [18] Discipline your son while there is
hope; do not set your heart on his destruction. [19] A man of great wrath
will pay the penalty; for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it
again. [20] Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain
wisdom for the future. [21] Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it
is the purpose of the LORD that will be established. [22] What is desired
in a man is loyalty, and a poor man is better than a liar. [23] The fear of
the LORD leads to life; and he who has it rests satisfied; he will not be
visited by harm. [24] The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, and will
not even bring it back to his mouth. [25] Strike a scoffer, and the simple
will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain
knowledge. [26] He who does violence to his father and chases away his
mother is a son who causes shame and brings reproach. [27] Cease, my son,
to hear instruction only to stray from the words of knowledge. [28] A
worthless witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours
iniquity. [29] Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and flogging for the
backs of fools.
