1The proverbs of Solomon . A wise son maketh a glad father : but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother . 2Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death . 3The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish : but he casteth away the substance of the wicked . 4He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand : but the hand of the diligent maketh rich . 5He that gathereth in summer is a wise son : but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame .
The Value of Wisdom and Hard Work
6Blessings are upon the head of the just : but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked . 7The memory of the just is blessed : but the name of the wicked shall rot . 8The wise in heart will receive commandments : but a prating fool shall fall . 9He that walketh uprightly walketh surely : but he that perverteth his ways shall be known . 10He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow : but a prating fool shall fall .
The Power of Words
11The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life : but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked . 12Hatred stirreth up strifes : but love covereth all sins . 13In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found : but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding . 14Wise men lay up knowledge : but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction .
The Consequences of Actions
15The rich man’s wealth is his strong city : the destruction of the poor is their poverty . 16The labour of the righteous tendeth to life : the fruit of the wicked to sin . 17He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction : but he that refuseth reproof erreth . 18He that hideth hatred with lying lips , and he that uttereth a slander , is a fool . 19In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin : but he that refraineth his lips is wise . 20The tongue of the just is as choice silver : the heart of the wicked is little worth . 21The lips of the righteous feed many : but fools die for want of wisdom . 22The blessing of the LORD , it maketh rich , and he addeth no sorrow with it.
The Path of the Righteous vs. the Wicked
23It is as sport to a fool to do mischief : but a man of understanding hath wisdom . 24The fear of the wicked , it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted . 25As the whirlwind passeth , so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation . 26As vinegar to the teeth , and as smoke to the eyes , so is the sluggard to them that send him. 27The fear of the LORD prolongeth days : but the years of the wicked shall be shortened . 28The hope of the righteous shall be gladness : but the expectation of the wicked shall perish . 29The way of the LORD is strength to the upright : but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity . 30The righteous shall never be removed : but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth . 31The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom : but the froward tongue shall be cut out . 32The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable : but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness .