1WISE son hears his father's instructions; but an evil son does not listen to rebuke. 2A good man shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; but the souls of the wicked shall perish. 3He who guards his mouth keeps his life; he who speaks too much shall bring ruin upon himself. 4A sluggard is always craving; but the soul of the diligent shall be enriched. 5A righteous man hates lying; but a wicked man is loathsome, and shall be ashamed and confounded. 6Righteousness keeps him that is upright in his way; but wickedness overthrows the sinner. 7There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing; there are others who pretend to be poor, yet have great riches. 8The ransom of a man's life is his riches; but the poor ignores a rebuke. 9The light of the righteous shall rejoice; but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. 10A wicked man commits shameful things; but with the well-advised is wisdom. 11Wealth acquired unjustly will diminish; but he who gathers justly shall increase his wealth. 12Blessed is the man who is willing to help; more blessed is he than he who merely rests in hope, as a tree of life he bears fruit. 13He who despises counsel shall be destroyed by it; but he who fears the commandment shall be spared. A deceitful man shall not benefit; but a wise man whose works are good shall prosper. 14The law of the wise is a fountain of life to those who depart from the snares of death. 15Good understanding brings mercy; but the way of transgressors leads to destruction. 16Every prudent man deals wisely; but a fool speaks foolishness. 17A wicked messenger falls into mischief; but a faithful ambassador is a healer. 18Poverty and shame shall be to him who refuses instruction; but he who regards reproof shall be honored. 19A noble desire is sweet to the soul; but the abomination of the wicked is far away from knowledge. 20He who walks with wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall suffer harm. 21Evil pursues sinners; but to the righteous good shall be repaid. 22A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children; and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous. 23Those who do not understand the manner of life are destroyed by riches; yea, many men are destroyed completely. 24He who spares his rod hates his son; but he who loves his son disciplines him diligently. 25The righteous man eats and is satisfied; but the belly of the wicked shall want. Holy Bible From The Ancient Eastern Texts: Aramaic Of The Peshitta by George M. Lamsa (1933) |