1 ¶ Better is the poor man who conducts himself aright, than the rich who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

2 ¶ Even enthusiasm is not good without knowledge; and a man who acts hastily sins.

3 ¶ When a man’s own foolishness brings ruin: his heart rages against the LORD.

4 ¶ Wealth brings many friends; but the poor is avoided by his neighbor.

5 ¶ A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape.

6 ¶ Many will seek the favor of a prince: and everybody is a friend to one who gives gifts.

7 All of a poor man’s brothers shun him: even more do his friends keep their distance from him? he seeks them and calls them, yet they are gone.

8 ¶ He who gets wisdom loves his own soul: he who holds fast to understanding will find good.

9 ¶ A false witness will not escape punishment, and he who speaks lies will perish.

10 ¶ Luxury is not appropriate for a fool; how much less for a slave to rule over princes.

11 ¶ Good sense leads a man to restrain his anger; and it is his glory to overlook an offence.

12 ¶ The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion; but his favor is like dew upon the grass.

13 ¶ A foolish son is the ruin of his father: and a nagging wife is like water continually dripping.

14 ¶ A home and wealth are inherited from fathers: but a sensible wife is from the LORD.

15 ¶ Slothfulness puts you into a deep sleep; and an idle person will suffer hunger.

16 ¶ He who keeps the commandment preserves his own soul; but he who despises his ways will die.

17 ¶ He who has pity upon the poor lends to the LORD; and that which he has given he will repay to him.

18 ¶ Discipline your son while there is hope, and do not indulge him to his own destruction.

19 ¶ A man who gets extremely angry will suffer the consequences: if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.

20 ¶ Listen to advice, and accept criticism, that you may gain wisdom for the future.

21 ¶ A man has many plans in his mind; nevertheless the LORD’S plan will stand.

22 ¶ What is desired in a man is kindness: and it is better to be a poor man than a liar.

23 ¶ The fear of the LORD leads to life: and he who has it will rest satisfied; he will not suffer harm.

24 ¶ A slothful man hides his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25 ¶ Strike a scorner, and the inexperienced learn a lesson: correct one who has understanding, and he will increase in knowledge.

26 ¶ A son who brings shame and reproach, assaults his father, and drives away his mother.

27 ¶ Stop, my son, and listen to instruction before you err from the words of knowledge.

28 ¶ An ungodly witness mocks justice: and the mouth of the wicked feeds on iniquity.

29 ¶ Punishments are prepared for scoffers, and stripes for the back of fools.