Proverbs

¹⁴The mind of him who has understanding seeks knowledge and inquires after and craves it, but the mouth of the [self-confident] fool feeds on folly. [Isa. 32:6.] ¹⁵All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances]. ¹⁶Better is little with the reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord than great and rich treasure and trouble with it. [Ps. 37:16; Prov. 16:8; I Tim. 6:6.] ¹⁷Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fatted ox and hatred with it. [Prov. 17:1.] ¹⁸A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger appeases contention. ¹⁹The way of the sluggard is overgrown with thorns [it pricks, lacerates, and entangles him], but the way of the righteous is plain and raised like a highway. ²⁰A wise son makes a glad father, but a self-confident and foolish man despises his mother and puts her to shame.