1A wise son heareth his father ’s instruction ; But a scoffer heareth not rebuke . 2A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth ; But the soul of the treacherous shall eat violence . 3He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life ; But he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction . 4The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made fat .
Righteousness and Its Rewards
5A righteous man hateth lying ; But a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame . 6Righteousness guardeth him that is upright in the way ; But wickedness overthroweth the sinner . 7There is that maketh himself rich , yet hath nothing : There is that maketh himself poor , yet hath great wealth . 8The ransom of a man ’s life is his riches ; But the poor heareth no threatening. 9The light of the righteous rejoiceth ; But the lamp of the wicked shall be put out .
The Value of Discipline
10By pride cometh only contention ; But with the well-advised is wisdom . 11Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished ; But he that gathereth by labor shall have increase . 12Hope deferred maketh the heart sick ; But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life . 13Whoso despiseth the word bringeth destruction on himself ; But he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded . 14The law of the wise is a fountain of life , That one may depart from the snares of death .
Friendship and Influence
15Good understanding giveth favor ; But the way of the transgressor is hard. 16Every prudent man worketh with knowledge ; But a fool flaunteth his folly. 17A wicked messenger falleth into evil ; But a faithful ambassador is health . 18Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth correction ; But he that regardeth reproof shall be honored . 19The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul ; But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil . 20Walk with wise men , and thou shalt be wise ; But the companion of fools shall smart for it .
The Consequences of Actions
21Evil pursueth sinners ; But the righteous shall be recompensed with good . 22A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children ’s children ; And the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous . 23Much food is in the tillage of the poor ; But there is that is destroyed by reason of injustice . 24He that spareth his rod hateth his son ; But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes . 25The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul ; But the belly of the wicked shall want .