Proverbs

³The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. ⁴A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. ⁵Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished. ⁶Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. ⁷Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler! ⁸A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn. ⁹Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.