1 It isn't smart to get drunk!Drinking makes a fool of youand leads to fights.
2 An angry ruleris like a roaring lion—make either one angry,and you are dead.
3 It makes you look goodwhen you avoid a fight—only fools love to quarrel.
4 If you are too lazy to plow,don't expect a harvest.
5 Someone's thoughts may beas deep as the ocean,but if you are smart,you will discover them.
6 There are many who say,“You can trust me!”But can they be trusted?
7 Good people live right,and God blesses the childrenwho follow their example.
8 When rulers decide cases,they weigh the evidence.
9 Can any of us really say,“My thoughts are pure,and my sins are gone”?
10 Two things the Lord hatesare dishonest scalesand dishonest measures.
11 The good or badthat children doshows what they are like.
12 Hearing and seeingare gifts from the Lord.
13 If you sleep all the time,you will starve;if you get up and work,you will have enough food.
14 Everyone likes to bragabout getting a bargain.
15 Sensible words are betterthan gold or jewels.
16 You deserve to lose your coatif you loan it to someoneto guarantee paymentfor the debt of a stranger.
17 The food you get by cheatingmay taste delicious,but it turns to gravel.
18 Be sure you have sound advicebefore making plansor starting a war.
19 Stay away from gossips—they tell everything.
20 Children who curse their parentswill go to the land of darknesslong before their time.
21 Getting rich quickmay turn out to be a curse.
22 Don't try to get even.Trust the Lord,and he will help you.
23 The Lord hates dishonest scalesand dishonest weights.So don't cheat!
24 How can we knowwhat will happen to uswhen the Lord alone decides?
25 Don't fall into the trapof making promises to Godbefore you think!
26 A wise ruler severely punishesevery criminal.
27 Our inner thoughts are a lampfrom the Lord,and they search our hearts.
28 Rulers are protectedby God's mercy and loyalty,but they must be mercifulfor their kingdoms to last.
29 Young people take pridein their strength,but the gray hairs of wisdomare even more beautiful.
30 A severe beating can knock allof the evil out of you!