1A wise son heareth his father’s instruction : but a scorner heareth not rebuke . 2A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth : but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence . 3He that keepeth 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 keepeth 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 riches . 8The ransom of a man’s life are his riches : but the poor heareth not rebuke . 9The light of the righteous rejoiceth : but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out .
The Value of Discipline
10Only by pride cometh contention : but with the well advised is wisdom . 11Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished : but he that gathereth by labour shall increase . 12Hope deferred maketh the heart sick : but when the desire cometh , it is a tree of life . 13Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed : but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded . 14The law of the wise is a fountain of life , to depart from the snares of death .
Friendship and Influence
15Good understanding giveth favour : but the way of transgressors is hard . 16Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge : but a fool layeth open his folly . 17A wicked messenger falleth into mischief : but a faithful ambassador is health . 18Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction : but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured . 19The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul : but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil . 20He that walketh with wise men shall be wise : but a companion of fools shall be destroyed .
The Consequences of Actions
21Evil pursueth sinners : but to the righteous good shall be repayed . 22A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children : and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just . 23Much food is in the tillage of the poor : but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment . 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 .