1Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool. 2It isn’t good to have zeal without knowledge;
nor being hasty with one’s feet and missing the way. 3The foolishness of man subverts his way;
his heart rages against Yahweh. 4Wealth adds many friends,
but the poor is separated from his friend. 5A false witness shall not be unpunished.
He who pours out lies shall not go free. 6Many will entreat the favor of a ruler,
and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts. 7All the relatives of the poor shun him:
how much more do his friends avoid him!
He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.
8He who gets wisdom loves his own soul.
He who keeps understanding shall find good.
9A false witness shall not be unpunished.
He who utters lies shall perish.
10Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool,
much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
11The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger.
It is his glory to overlook an offense.
12The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion,
but his favor is like dew on the grass.
13A foolish son is the calamity of his father.
A wife’s quarrels are a continual dripping.
14House and riches are an inheritance from fathers,
but a prudent wife is from Yahweh.
15Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep.
The idle soul shall suffer hunger.
16He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,
but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die.
17He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh;
he will reward him.
18Discipline your son, for there is hope;
don’t be a willing party to his death.
19A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty,
for if you rescue him, you must do it again.
20Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
that you may be wise in your latter end.
21There are many plans in a man’s heart,
but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail.
22That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness.
A poor man is better than a liar.
23The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment;
he rests and will not be touched by trouble.
24The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
25Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
26He who robs his father and drives away his mother,
is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.
27If you stop listening to instruction, my son,
you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28A corrupt witness mocks justice,
and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity.
29Penalties are prepared for scoffers,
and beatings for the backs of fools.