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The Man of Integrity

¹ Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse.

² Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.

³ A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD.

⁴ Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.

⁵ A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.

⁶ Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.⁷ All the brothers of a poor man hate him—how much more do his friends avoid him! He may pursue them with pleading, but they are nowhere to be found.

⁸ He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.

⁹ A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish.

¹⁰ Luxury is unseemly for a fool—how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!

¹¹ A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.

¹² A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

¹³ A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.

¹⁴ Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

¹⁵ Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.

¹⁶ He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul; but he who is careless in his ways will die.

¹⁷ Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

¹⁸ Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death.

¹⁹ A man of great anger must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do so again.

²⁰ Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.

²¹ Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.

²² The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar.

²³ The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation from harm.

²⁴ The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth.

²⁵ Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.

²⁶ He who assaults his father or evicts his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.

²⁷ If you cease to hear instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge.

²⁸ A corrupt witness mocks justice, and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity.

²⁹ Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.