[1] Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting—and conflict.
[2] A wise servant will rule over the master’s disgraceful son and will share the inheritance of the master’s children.
[3] Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.
[4] Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.
[5] Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.
[6] Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.
[7] Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler.
[8] A bribe is like a lucky charm; whoever gives one will prosper!
[9] Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.
[10] A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.
[11] Evil people are eager for rebellion, but they will be severely punished.
[12] It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than to confront a fool caught in foolishness.
[13] If you repay good with evil, evil will never leave your house.
[14] Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.
[15] Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— both are detestable to the Lord.
[16] It is senseless to pay to educate a fool, since he has no heart for learning.
[17] A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
[18] It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for a friend.
[19] Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin; anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster.
[20] The crooked heart will not prosper; the lying tongue tumbles into trouble.
[21] It is painful to be the parent of a fool; there is no joy for the father of a rebel.
[22] A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
[23] The wicked take secret bribes to pervert the course of justice.
[24] Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
[25] Foolish children bring grief to their father and bitterness to the one who gave them birth.
[26] It is wrong to punish the godly for being good or to flog leaders for being honest.
[27] A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.
[28] Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.