[1] Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting
with strife. [2] A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes
shame, And shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers. [3]
The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, But Yahweh
tests the hearts. [4] An evil-doer gives heed to wicked lips. A liar
gives ear to a mischievous tongue. [5] Whoever mocks the poor reproaches
his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. [6]
Children`s children are the crown of old men; The glory of children are
their parents. [7] Arrogant speech isn`t fitting for a fool, Much less
do lying lips fit a prince. [8] A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of
him who gives it; Wherever he turns, he prospers. [9] He who covers an
offense promotes love; But he who repeats a matter separates chief
friends. [10] A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding Than
a hundred lashes into a fool. [11] An evil man seeks only rebellion;
Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. [12] Let a bear
robbed of her cubs meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly. [13]
Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house.
[14] The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, Therefore stop
contention before quarreling breaks out. [15] He who justifies the wicked,
and he who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination
to Yahweh. [16] Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,
Seeing he has no understanding? [17] A friend loves at all times; And a
brother is born for adversity. [18] A man void of understanding strikes
hands, And becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor. [19] He
who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks
destruction. [20] One who has a perverse heart doesn`t find prosperity,
And one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble. [21] He who becomes
the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy. [22] A
cheerful heart makes good medicine, But a crushed spirit dries up the
bones. [23] A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, To pervert the ways
of justice. [24] Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding,
But the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. [25] A foolish son
brings grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him. [26]
Also to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to flog officials for
their integrity. [27] He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is
even tempered is a man of understanding. [28] Even a fool, when he keeps
silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be
discerning.
