1 B etter is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.

2 A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.

3 T he refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but Yahweh tests the hearts.

4 A n evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.

5 W hoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.

6 C hildren’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children are their parents.

7 A rrogant speech isn’t fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince.

8 A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers.

9 H e who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.

10 A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool.

11 A n evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

12 L et a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

13 W hoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

14 T he beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.

15 H e who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.

16 W hy is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, since he has no understanding?

17 A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.

18 A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.

19 H e who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.

20 O ne who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.

21 H e who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.

22 A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

23 A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.

24 W isdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.

26 A lso to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.

27 H e who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.

28 E ven a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.