[1] A wise youth accepts his father's rebuke; a young mocker doesn't. [2] The good man wins his case by careful argument; the evil-minded only wants to fight. [3] Self-control means controlling the tongue! A quick retort can ruin everything. [4] Lazy people want much but get little, while the diligent are prospering. [5] A good man hates lies; wicked men lie constantly and come to shame. [6] A man's goodness helps him all through life, while evil men are being destroyed by their wickedness. [7] Some rich people are poor, and some poor people have great wealth! [8] Being kidnapped and held for ransom never worries the poor man! [9] The good man's life is full of light. The sinner's road is dark and gloomy. [10] Pride leads to arguments; be humble, take advice, and become wise. [11] Wealth from gambling quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows. [12] Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but when dreams come true at last, there is life and joy. [13] Despise God's Word and find yourself in trouble. Obey it and succeed. [14] The advice of a wise man refreshes like water from a mountain spring. Those accepting it become aware of the pitfalls on ahead. [15] A man with good sense is appreciated. A treacherous man must walk a rocky road. [16] A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn't and even brags about it! [17] An unreliable messenger can cause a lot of trouble. Reliable communication permits progress. [18] If you refuse criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept criticism, you are on the road to fame. [19] It is pleasant to see plans develop. That is why fools refuse to give them up even when they are wrong. [20] Be with wise men and become wise. Be with evil men and become evil. [21] Curses chase sinners, while blessings chase the righteous! [22] When a good man dies, he leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren; but when a sinner dies, his wealth is stored up for the godly. [23] A poor man's farm may have good soil, but injustice robs him of its riches. [24] If you refuse to discipline your son, it proves you don't love him; for if you love him, you will be prompt to punish him. [25] The good man eats to live, while the evil man lives to eat.
