1Better a crust of dry bread in peace than the discord of a house full of feasting.
2A shrewd servant will replace the foolish son of the master and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.
3A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold but Yahweh is the tester of hearts.
4The evil plotter listens to the lips of liars; and the liar gives an ear to the corrupt tongue.
5He who mocks the poor insults their Creator, he who laughs at the deprived will not go unpunished.
6The crown of the aged is their children’s children, the children’s glory is their father.
7Noble language does not suit the fool and even less do lies suit a prince.
8The giver of gifts possesses a treasure, wherever he goes he will succeed.
9Whoever covers over a fault promotes friendships, but he who reveals a word divides friends.
10A discerning man is more im pressed by a reprimand than a fool is by a hundred lashes.
11The wicked man seeks nothing but rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
12It is better to meet with a bear deprived of her cubs than with a fool in his foolishness.
13He who repays good with evil will not rid his house of evil.
14To begin legal proceedings is like opening a dam; withdraw before the dispute erupts.
15To excuse the guilty and condemn the just: both are detestable to Yahweh.
16What good is money in a fool’s hand? How can he buy wisdom? He has no sense.
17A friend will love you at all times, a brother has been born to you for times of adversity.
18He who is full of promises and goes bail for his neighbor has no sense.
19The sinner loves disputes, the man of arrogant words hastens his own ruin.
20The man of double-dealing does not find happiness, the sly tongue falls into disgrace.
21He who fathers a fool has acquired misery, there is no joy for a fool’s father.
22A joyful heart gives health to the body, while a sad spirit dries up the bones.
23The corrupt man takes bribes to pervert the course of justice.
24The discerning man keeps wisdom before his eyes; the fool’s eyes are on every corner of the world.
25The foolish son is a worry to his father and distress to her who gave him birth.
26It is not right to fine the upright; the noble ought not to be beaten.
27The prudent of speech are wise; he who keeps his temper is an educated man.
28Then the fool, if silent, can pass as wise; the clever man keeps his lips sealed.
