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1 Better a poor man who walks in integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.
2 Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever hurries his feet misses the way.
3 A man’s folly ruins his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD.
4 Wealth adds many friends, but a poor man is separated from his friend.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever breathes out lies will not escape.
6 Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a giver of gifts.
7 All a poor man’s brothers hate him;
how much more do his friends keep far from him!
He pursues them with words, but they are gone.
8 Whoever gains sense loves his own life;
whoever guards understanding will find good.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever breathes out lies will perish.
10 Luxury does not suit a fool, much less a servant ruling over princes.
11 A man’s good sense makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
12 A king’s wrath is like the roar of a young lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
13 A foolish son is ruin to his father, and a wife’s quarrels are a constant dripping.
14 House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
15 Laziness casts one into deep sleep, and an idle person will go hungry.
16 Whoever keeps the commandment preserves his life, but whoever disregards his ways will die.
17 Whoever is gracious to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.
18 Discipline your son while there is hope;
do not set your heart on putting him to death.
19 A man of great wrath bears the penalty;
if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.
20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, so that you may be wise in your latter days.
21 Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the LORD will stand.
22 What is desirable in a man is his kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life;
one rests satisfied, untouched 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;
correct a discerning person, and he will gain knowledge.
26 Whoever plunders his father and drives out his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.
27 Stop listening to discipline, my son, and you will stray from words of knowledge.
28 A worthless witness mocks justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers, and blows for the backs of fools.