[1] A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke. [2] From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the desire of the faithless is violence. [3] He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. [4] The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied. [5] The righteous hate falsehood, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace. [6] Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness undermines the sinner. [7] One pretends to be rich, but has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. [8] Riches may ransom a man’s life, but a poor man hears no threat. [9] The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished. [10] Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised. [11] Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied. [12] Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life. [13] He who despises instruction will pay the penalty, but the one who respects a command will be rewarded. [14] The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death. [15] Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult. [16] Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly. [17] A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing. [18] Poverty and shame come to him who ignores discipline, but whoever heeds correction is honored. [19] Desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but turning from evil is detestable to fools. [20] He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. [21] Disaster pursues sinners, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous. [22] A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous. [23] Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, but without justice it is swept away. [24] He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently. [25] A righteous man eats to his heart’s content, but the stomach of the wicked is empty.
