1  Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. 2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. 3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD. 4  Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. 5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.* unpunished: Heb. held innocent

6  Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.† him…: Heb. a man of gifts 7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. 8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.‡ wisdom: Heb. an heart 9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. 10  Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes. 11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.§ discretion: or, prudence 12 The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass. 13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. 14  House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. 15  Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. 16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die. 17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.** that which…: or, his deed 18  Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.†† for…: or, to his destruction: or, to cause him to die 19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.‡‡ do: Heb. add 20  Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. 21  There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. 22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar. 23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. 24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 25  Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.§§ will beware: Heb. will be cunning 26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach. 27  Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. 28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.*** An…: Heb. A witness of Belial 29  Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.