131 A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

2 From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.

3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

4 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

5 The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked brings shame[1] and disgrace.

6 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but sin overthrows the wicked.

7 One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

8 The ransom of a man's life is his wealth, but a poor man hears no threat.

9 The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

10 By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.

11 Wealth gained hastily[2] will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.

15 Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.[3]

16 In everything the prudent acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.

17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.

18 Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored.

19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.

20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

21 Disaster[4] pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good.

22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.

23 The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food, but it is swept away through injustice.

24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.[5]

25 The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want.

Exhortations to Obedience

31 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good success[6] in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh[7] and refreshment[8] to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. 11 My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, 14 for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. 15 She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed. 19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; 20 by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.

21 My son, do not lose sight of these-- keep sound wisdom and discretion, 22 and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. 23 Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. 24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin[9] of the wicked, when it comes, 26 for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,[10] when it is in your power to do it. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it"--when you have it with you. 29 Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you. 30 Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. 31 Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways, 32 for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence. 33 The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous. 34 Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.[11] 35 The wise will inherit honor, but fools get[12] disgrace.