1 Better is a morsel with pleasure in peace, Than a house full of many good things and unjust sacrifices, with strife.10 A threat breaks down the heart of a wise man; But a fool, though scourged, understands not.11 Every bad man stirs up strifes: But the Lord will send out against him an unmerciful messenger.12 Care may befall a man of understanding; But fools will meditate evils.13 Whoso rewards evil for good, Evil shall not be removed from his house.14 Rightful rule gives power to words; But sedition and strife precede poverty.15 He that pronounces the unjust just, and the just unjust, Is unclean and abominable with God.16 Why has the fool wealth? For a senseless man will not be able to purchase wisdom.16a He that exalts his own house seeks ruin; And he that turns aside from instruction shall fall into mischiefs.17 Have thou a friend for every time, And let brethren be useful in distress; For on this account are they born.18 A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself, As he also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.19 A lover of sin rejoices in strifes;2 A wise servant shall have rule over foolish masters, And shall divide portions among brethren.20 And the hard-hearted man comes not in for good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;21 And the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; But a wise son gladdens his mother.22 A glad heart promotes health; But the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.23 The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in his bosom do not prosper; And an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.24 The countenance of a wise man is sensible; But the eyes of a fool go to the ends of the earth.25 A foolish son is a cause of anger to his father, And grief to her that bore him.26 It is not right to punish a righteous man, Nor is it holy to plot against righteous princes.27 He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, And a patient man is wise.28 Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom: And he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.3 As silver and gold are tried in a furnace, So are choice hearts with the Lord.4 A bad man hearkens to the tongue of transgressors: But a righteous man attends not to false lips.5 He that laughs at the poor provokes him that made him; And he that rejoices at the destruction of another shall not be held guiltless: But he that has compassion shall find mercy.6 Children’s children are the crown of old men; And their fathers are the glory of children.6a The faithful has the whole world full of wealth; But the faithless not even a farthing.7 Faithful lips will not suit a fool; Nor lying lips a just man.8 Instruction is to them that use it a gracious reward: And whithersoever it may turn, it shall prosper.9 He that conceals injuries seeks love; But he that hates to hide them separates friends and kindred.