Proverbs

¹A wise son listens to his father’s instruction, but a scoffer doesn’t listen to rebuke. ²By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful crave violence. ³He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. ⁴The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied. ⁵A righteous man hates lies, but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace. ⁶Righteousness guards the way of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. ⁷There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing. There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth. ⁸The ransom of a man’s life is his riches, but the poor hear no threats. ⁹The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. ¹⁰Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is with people who take advice. ¹¹Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow. ¹²Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life. ¹³Whoever despises instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command will be rewarded. ¹⁴The teaching of the wise is a spring of life, to turn from the snares of death. ¹⁵Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard. ¹⁶Every prudent man acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly. ¹⁷A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy gains healing. ¹⁸Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline, but he who heeds correction shall be honored. ¹⁹Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. ²⁰One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. ²¹Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous. ²²A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous. ²³An abundance of food is in poor people’s fields, but injustice sweeps it away. ²⁴One who spares the rod hates his son, but one who loves him is careful to discipline him. ²⁵The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.