1 On Life and Conduct Better is a poor man who walks in his integrityThan a [rich] man who is twisted in his speech and is a [shortsighted] fool.
2 Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge,And he who hurries with his feet [acting impulsively and proceeding without caution or analyzing the consequences] sins (misses the mark).
3 The foolishness of man undermines his way [ruining whatever he undertakes];Then his heart is resentfulandrages against the L[for, being a fool, he blames the Linstead of himself].
4 Wealth makes many friends,But a poor man is separated from his friend.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished,And he who breathes out lies will not escape.
6 Many will seek the favor of a generousandnoble man,And everyone is a friend to him who gives gifts.
7 All the brothers of a poor man hate him;How much more do his friends abandon him!He pursuesthem withwords, but they are gone.
8 He who gains wisdomandgood sense loves (preserves) his own soul;He who keeps understanding will find goodandprosper.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished,And he who breathes lies will perish.
10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool;Much less for a slave to rule over princes.
11 Good senseanddiscretion make a man slow to anger,And it is his honorandglory to overlook a transgressionoran offense [without seeking revenge and harboring resentment].
12 The king’s wrathterrifieslike the roaring of a lion,But his favor is as [refreshing and nourishing as] dew on the grass.
13 A foolish (ungodly) son is destruction to his father,And the contentions of a [quarrelsome] wife are like a constant dripping [of water].
14 House and wealth are the inheritance from fathers,But a wise, understanding,andsensible wife is [a gift and blessing] from the L.
15 Laziness casts one into a deep sleep [unmindful of lost opportunity],And the idle person will suffer hunger.
16 He who keepsandobeys the commandment [of the L] keeps (guards) his own life,But he who is careless of his waysandconduct will die.
17 He who is graciousandlends a hand to the poor lends to the L,And the Lwill repay him for his good deed.
18 Disciplineandteach your son while there is hope,And do not [indulge your anger or resentment by imposing inappropriate punishment nor] desire his destruction.
19 A man ofgreat anger will bear the penalty [for his quick temper and lack of self-control];For if you rescue him [and do not let him learn from the consequences of his action], you will only have to rescue him over and over again.
20 Listen to counsel, receive instruction,andaccept correction,That you may be wise in the time to come.
21 Many plans are in a man’s mind,But it is the L’purpose for him that will stand (be carried out).
22 That which is desirable in a man is his loyaltyandunfailing love,But it is better to be a poor man than a [wealthy] liar.
23 The fear of the Lleadsto life,So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.
24 The lazy man buries his hand in the [food] dish,But will not even bring it to his mouth again.
25 Strike a scoffer [for refusing to learn], and the naive may [be warned and] become prudent;Reprimand one who has understandinganda teachable spirit, and he will gain knowledgeandinsight.
26 He who assaults his father and chases away his motherIs a son who brings shame and disgrace.
27 Cease listening, my son, to instructionanddisciplineAnd you willstray from the words of knowledge.
28 A wickedandworthless witness mocks justice,And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers,And beatings for the backs of [thickheaded] fools.