[1] The proverbs of Solomon: A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother.
[2] Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life.
[3] The Lord will not let the godly go hungry, but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked.
[4] Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.
[5] A wise youth harvests in the summer, but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace.
[6] The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.
[7] We have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away.
[8] The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.
[9] People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.
[10] People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.
[11] The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.
[12] Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.
[13] Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod.
[14] Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.
[15] The wealth of the rich is their fortress; the poverty of the poor is their destruction.
[16] The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.
[17] People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.
[18] Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool.
[19] Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
[20] The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless.
[21] The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.
[22] The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
[23] Doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.
[24] The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled; the hopes of the godly will be granted.
[25] When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.
[26] Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.
[27] Fear of the Lord lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
[28] The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.
[29] The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked.
[30] The godly will never be disturbed, but the wicked will be removed from the land.
[31] The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.
[32] The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.