191 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

2 Desire[1] without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.

3 When a man's folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord.

4 Wealth brings many new friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.

6 Many seek the favor of a generous man,[2] and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts. 7 All a poor man's brothers hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with words, but does not have them.[3]

8 Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good.

9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out 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 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

12 A king's wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13 A foolish son is ruin to his father, and a wife's quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.

14 House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.

16 Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises his ways will die.

17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.

18 Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.

19 A man of great wrath will pay the penalty, for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.

20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

22 What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.

23 The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.

24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth.

25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

26 He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach.

27 Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28 A worthless witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.

29 Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools.

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[4] 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[5] and refreshment[6] 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[7] 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,[8] 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.[9] 35 The wise will inherit honor, but fools get[10] disgrace.