19 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
Than a [rich] man who is twisted in his speech and is a [shortsighted] fool.
² 
Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge,
And he who hurries with his feet [acting impulsively and proceeding without caution or analyzing the consequences] sins (misses the mark).
³ 
The foolishness of man undermines his way [ruining whatever he undertakes];
Then his heart is resentful and rages against the Lord [for, being a fool, he blames the Lord instead of himself].
⁴ 
Wealth makes many friends,
But a poor man is separated from his friend.^(A)
5 
A false witness will not go unpunished,
And he who breathes out lies will not escape.^(B)
6 
Many will seek the favor of a generous and noble man,
And everyone is a friend to him who gives gifts.
⁷ 
All the brothers of a poor man hate him;
How much more do his friends abandon him!
He pursues them with words, but they are gone.
⁸ 
He who gains wisdom and good sense loves (preserves) his own soul;
He who keeps understanding will find good and prosper.
⁹ 
A false witness will not go unpunished,
And he who breathes lies will perish.
¹⁰ 
Luxury is not fitting for a fool;
Much less for a slave to rule over princes.
¹¹ 
Good sense and discretion make a man slow to anger,
And it is his honor and glory to overlook a transgression or an offense [without seeking revenge and harboring resentment].
¹² 
The king’s wrath terrifies like the roaring of a lion,
But his favor is as [refreshing and nourishing as] dew on the grass.^(C)
13 
A foolish (ungodly) son is destruction to his father,
And the contentions of a [quarrelsome] wife are like a constant dripping [of water].
¹⁴ 
House and wealth are the inheritance from fathers,
But a wise, understanding, and sensible wife is [a gift and blessing] from the Lord.^(D)
15 
Laziness casts one into a deep sleep [unmindful of lost opportunity],
And the idle person will suffer hunger.
¹⁶ 
He who keeps and obeys the commandment [of the Lord] keeps (guards) his own life,
But he who is careless of his ways and conduct will die.^(E)
17 
He who is gracious and lends a hand to the poor lends to the Lord,
And the Lord will repay him for his good deed.^(F)
18 
Discipline and teach your son while there is hope,
And do not [indulge your anger or resentment by imposing inappropriate punishment nor] desire his destruction.
¹⁹ 
A man of great anger will bear the penalty [for his quick temper and lack of self-control];
For if you rescue him [and do not let him learn from the consequences of his action], you will only have to rescue him over and over again.
²⁰ 
Listen to counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction,
That you may be wise in the time to come.
²¹ 
Many plans are in a man’s mind,
But it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand (be carried out).^(G)
22 
That which is desirable in a man is his loyalty and unfailing love,
But it is better to be a poor man than a [wealthy] liar.
²³ 
The fear of the Lord leads to life,
So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.^(H)
24 
The lazy man buries his hand in the [food] dish,
But will not even bring it to his mouth again.
²⁵ 
Strike a scoffer [for refusing to learn], and the naive may [be warned and] become prudent;
Reprimand one who has understanding and a teachable spirit, and he will gain knowledge and insight.
²⁶ 
He who assaults his father and chases away his mother
Is a son who brings shame and disgrace.^(I)
27 
Cease listening, my son, to instruction and discipline
And you will stray from the words of knowledge.
²⁸ 
A wicked and worthless witness mocks justice,
And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity.
²⁹ 
Judgments are prepared for scoffers,
And beatings for the backs of [thickheaded] fools.^(J)