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[1] Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.

[2] It isn’t good to have zeal without knowledge; nor being hasty with one’s feet and missing the way.

[3] The foolishness of man subverts his way; his heart rages against Yahweh.

[4] Wealth adds many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend.

[5] A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free.

[6] Many will entreat the favor of a ruler, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.

[7] All the relatives of the poor shun him: how much more do his friends avoid him! He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.

[8] He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good.

[9] A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who utters lies shall perish.

[10] Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool, much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

[11] The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense.

[12] The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

[13] A foolish son is the calamity of his father. A wife’s quarrels are a continual dripping.

[14] House and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from Yahweh.

[15] Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger.

[16] He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die.

[17] He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him.

[18] Discipline your son, for there is hope; don’t be a willing party to his death.

[19] A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty, for if you rescue him, you must do it again.

[20] Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end.

[21] There are many plans in a man’s heart, but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail.

[22] That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar.

[23] The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment; he rests and will not be touched by trouble.

[24] The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

[25] Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

[26] He who robs his father and drives away his mother, is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.

[27] If you stop listening to instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge.

[28] A corrupt witness mocks justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity.

[29] Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

Proverbs — Chapters