[1] A wise son listens to the discipline of his father, but a mocker doesn’t listen to correction. [2] People eat well from the fruit of their words, but the treacherous have an appetite only for violence. [3] People who watch their mouths guard their lives, but those who open their lips are ruined. [4] The lazy have strong desires but receive nothing; the appetite of the diligent is satisfied. [5] The righteous hate false words, but the wicked create disgust and scorn. [6] Righteousness guards the innocent on the path, but wickedness misleads sinners. [7] Some pretend to be rich but have nothing, while others pretend to be poor, but have great riches. [8] Wealth can ransom a person’s life, but the poor don’t even receive threats. [9] The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked goes out. [10] The empty-headed cause conflict out of pride; those who take advice are wise. [11] Riches gotten quickly will dwindle, but those who acquire them gradually become wealthy. [12] Hope delayed makes the heart sick; longing fulfilled is a tree of life. [13] Trouble will come on those who despise a word, but those who respect the commandment will be rewarded. [14] The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person away from deathtraps. [15] Good insight brings favor, but the way of the faithless is their ruin. [16] The prudent all act intelligently, but fools display their stupidity. [17] Wicked messengers fall into trouble, but a reliable one brings healing. [18] Poverty and shame come to those who don’t care about instruction; honor belongs to those who heed correction. [19] A desire fulfilled is pleasant, but fools find deviating from evil disgusting. [20] Walk with wise people and become wise; befriend fools and get in trouble. [21] Trouble pursues sinners, but good things reward the righteous. [22] Good people leave their grandchildren an inheritance, but the wealth of sinners is stored up for the righteous. [23] A poor person’s land might produce much food, but it is unjustly swept away. [24] Those who withhold the rod hate their children, but the one who loves them applies discipline. [25] The righteous eat their fill, but the wicked have empty stomachs.
