1Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity

than one who is perverse in his speech and is a fool.

2It is dangerous to have zeal without knowledge,

and the one who acts hastily makes poor choices.

3A person’s folly subverts his way,

and his heart rages against the Lord.

4Wealth adds many friends,

but a poor person is separated from his friend.

5A false witness will not go unpunished,

and the one who spouts out lies will not escape punishment.

6Many people entreat the favor of a generous person,

and everyone is the friend of the person who gives gifts.

7All the relatives of a poor person hate him;

how much more do his friends avoid him –

he pursues them with words, but they do not respond.

8The one who acquires wisdom loves himself;

the one who preserves understanding will prosper.

9A false witness will not go unpunished,

and the one who spouts out lies will perish.

10Luxury is not appropriate for a fool;

how much less for a servant to rule over princes!

11A person’s wisdom makes him slow to anger,

and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

12A king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion,

but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13A foolish child is the ruin of his father,

and a contentious wife is like a constant dripping.

14A house and wealth are inherited from parents,

but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

15Laziness brings on a deep sleep,

and the idle person will go hungry.

16The one who obeys commandments guards his life;

the one who despises his ways will die.

17The one who is gracious to the poor lends to the Lord,

and the Lord will repay him for his good deed.

18Discipline your child, for there is hope,

but do not set your heart on causing his death.

19A person with great anger bears the penalty,

but if you deliver him from it once, you will have to do it again.

20Listen to advice and receive discipline,

that you may become wise by the end of your life.

21There are many plans in a person’s mind,

but it is the counsel of the Lord which will stand.

22What is desirable for a person is to show loyal love,

and a poor person is better than a liar.

23Fearing the Lord leads to life,

and one who does so will live satisfied; he will not be afflicted by calamity.

24The sluggard plunges his hand in the dish,

and he will not even bring it back to his mouth!

25Flog a scorner, and as a result the simpleton will learn prudence;

correct a discerning person, and as a result he will understand knowledge.

26The one who robs his father and chases away his mother

is a son who brings shame and disgrace.

27If you stop listening to instruction, my child,

you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28A crooked witness scorns justice,

and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.

29Judgments are prepared for scorners,

and floggings for the backs of fools.