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than a man of perverse lips who is a fool.
2 It is of little benefit to have zeal, and yet lack knowledge,
or to hasten with the feet, yet lose the path.
3 A man’s own foolishness leads him to ruin,
yet his heart rages against the Lord.
4 Wealth brings many friends,
but a poor man is deserted by his friend.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and he who pours out lies will not escape.
6 Many seek the favour of a ruler,
and everyone is a friend of a man who gives gifts.
7 If the brothers of the poor hate him,
how much more do his friends abandon him!
Though he may pursue them with pleading,
yet they are gone from him.
8 He who obtains wisdom loves his own soul;
he who safeguards wisdom prospers.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and he who utters lies will perish.
10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury,
much less for a slave to rule over princes!
11 A man with insight is slow to anger;
it is to his glory to overlook an offence.
12 The king’s rage is like the roaring of a lion,
but his favour is like dew on the grass.
13 A foolish son is his father’s ruin,
and a nagging wife is like water constantly dripping.
14 A house and wealth are the inheritance from fathers,
but a prudent wife is from the Lord.
15 Laziness brings on deep sleep,
and a lazy person will suffer hunger.
16 He who obeys instruction protects his own life,
but he who pays no regard to his ways will die.
17 He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,
and He will reward him for what he has given.
18 Discipline your son, for in that there is hope;
do not be a party to his own destruction.
19 A man of great anger will bear the penalty;
if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again.
20 Listen to counsel and accept instruction,
so that you may be wise later in life.
21 Many are the plans in a man’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that will prevail.
22 What is desirable in a man is steadfast love;
it is better to be a poor man than a liar.
23 The fear of the Lord leads to life;
he who has it sleeps soundly, he is not visited by trouble.
24 The sluggard buries his hand in the bowl,
and will not even bring it back to his mouth!
25 Strike a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence;
rebuke a discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.
26 He who mistreats his father and drives out his mother
is a son who causes shame and brings disgrace.
27 If you stop listening to instruction, my son,
you will stray from the words that bring knowledge.
28 A worthless witness mocks at justice,
and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for mockers,
and beatings for the backs of fools.