1Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity , than he that is perverse in his lips , and is a fool . 2Also, that the soul be without knowledge , it is not good ; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth . 3The foolishness of man perverteth his way : and his heart fretteth against the LORD . 4Wealth maketh many friends ; but the poor is separated from his neighbour . 5A false witness shall not be unpunished , and he that speaketh lies shall not escape . 6Many will intreat the favour of the prince : and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts . 7All 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 .
The Importance of Integrity
8He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul : he that keepeth understanding shall find good . 9A false witness shall not be unpunished , and he that speaketh lies shall perish . 10Delight is not seemly for a fool ; much less for a servant to have rule over princes . 11The discretion of a man deferreth his anger ; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression . 12The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion ; but his favour is as dew upon the grass . 13A foolish son is the calamity of his father : and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping . 14House and riches are the inheritance of fathers : and a prudent wife is from the LORD .
Discipline and Instruction
15Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep ; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger . 16He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul ; but he that despiseth his ways shall die . 17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD ; and that which he hath given will he pay him again . 18Chasten thy son while there is hope , and let not thy soul spare for his crying . 19A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment : for if thou deliver him , yet thou must do it again . 20Hear counsel , and receive instruction , that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end .
The Role of the Lord in Human Affairs
21There are many devices in a man’s heart ; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD , that shall stand . 22The desire of a man is his kindness : and a poor man is better than a liar . 23The fear of the LORD tendeth to life : and he that hath it shall abide satisfied ; he shall not be visited with evil . 24A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom , and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again . 25Smite a scorner , and the simple will beware : and reprove one that hath understanding , and he will understand knowledge .
Compassion and Generosity
26He that wasteth his father , and chaseth away his mother , is a son that causeth shame , and bringeth reproach . 27Cease , my son , to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge . 28An ungodly witness scorneth judgment : and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity . 29Judgments are prepared for scorners , and stripes for the back of fools .