1Better is the poor that walks in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his words, and is a fool. 2Zeal without knowledge is not good; and rash choices and actions lead to sin. 3The folly of man leads to his ruin; and then he is angry at the LORD. 4Wealth attracts many friends; but poverty drives them away. 5A false witness shall not go unpunished, nor will a liar escape. 6Many will curry the favor of a ruler; and everyone is a friend of him that gives gifts. 7The poor are shunned by their relatives; how much more do his friends avoid him! He pleads with them with words, yet they are nowhere to be found. 8He that gets wisdom loves life; he that has understanding shall prosper. 9A false witness shall not go unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall perish. 10It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury; much less, for a slave to rule over kings. 11A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is to his credit to overlook an offense. 12The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew upon the grass. 13A foolish son is a disgrace to his parents; and a contentious wife is a continual dripping. 14House and riches are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD. 15Lazy people sleep soundly, and idleness leaves them hungry. 16He that keeps the commandments keeps his own soul, but he that is careless about his ways shall die. 17He that is kind to the poor lends unto the LORD, and God will reward him for what he has done. 18Discipline your children while there is hope, and do not be deterred because they cry. 19A hot-tempered man will suffer punishment; and if you rescue him, you will have to do it yet again. 20Accept advice and discipline, so that you later become wise. 21There are many plans in a man's heart; but it is the purpose of the LORD that shall prevail. 22What is desired in a man is loyalty; and it is better to be poor than dishonest. 23The fear of the LORD tends to life, and he who has it shall rest content; he shall be protected from evil. 24A slothful man buries his hand in his dish, and will not so much as lift it to his mouth again. 25Punish a scoffer, and the simple will learn from the example; and criticize one who has understanding, and he will learn from it. 26He that steals from his father, and evicts his mother, is a son that causes embarrassment and disgrace. 27If you stop listening to instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge. 28A corrupt witness scoffs at justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours evil. 29Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and stripes for the back of fools. Reader-Friendly Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2024 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |