Proverbs

²A smart servant will gain control over his master’s foolish son. He will be treated like a son and get a share of the inheritance. ³Fire is used to make gold and silver pure, but a person’s heart is made pure by the Lord. ⁴People who do evil listen to evil ideas. Liars listen to liars. ⁵Whoever makes fun of beggars insults their Maker. Whoever laughs at someone else’s trouble will be punished. ⁶Grandchildren are the pride and joy of old age, and children take great pride in their parents. ⁷You wouldn’t expect to hear a fine speech from a fool, and you shouldn’t expect lies from a ruler. ⁸Some people think a bribe is like a lucky charm—it seems to work wherever they go.