Proverbs

²A wise servant shall have rule over a son who causes shame, and shall share in the inheritance among the brothers. ³The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tries the hearts. [Ps. 26:2; Prov. 27:21; Jer. 17:10; Mal. 3:3.] ⁴An evildoer gives heed to wicked lips; and a liar listens to a mischievous tongue. ⁵Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker, and he who is glad at calamity shall not be held innocent or go unpunished. [Job 31:29; Prov. 14:31; Obad. 12.] ⁶Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their fathers. [Ps. 127:3; 128:3.] ⁷Fine or arrogant speech does not befit [an empty-headed] fool–much less do lying lips befit a prince. ⁸A bribe is like a bright, precious stone that dazzles the eyes and affects the mind of him who gives it; [as if by magic] he prospers, whichever way he turns.