[1] Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.
[2] The king’s fury is like a lion’s roar; to rouse his anger is to risk your life.
[3] Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
[4] Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest.
[5] Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out.
[6] Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?
[7] The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.
[8] When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence, distinguishing the bad from the good.
[9] Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin”?
[10] False weights and unequal measures— the Lord detests double standards of every kind.
[11] Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.
[12] Ears to hear and eyes to see— both are gifts from the Lord.
[13] If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!
[14] The buyer haggles over the price, saying, “It’s worthless,” then brags about getting a bargain!
[15] Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies.
[16] Get security from someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt. Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners.
[17] Stolen bread tastes sweet, but it turns to gravel in the mouth.
[18] Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.
[19] A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.
[20] If you insult your father or mother, your light will be snuffed out in total darkness.
[21] An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end.
[22] Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.
[23] The Lord detests double standards; he is not pleased by dishonest scales.
[24] The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?
[25] Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost.
[26] A wise king scatters the wicked like wheat, then runs his threshing wheel over them.
[27] The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.
[28] Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love.
[29] The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.
[30] Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart.