1 A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
2 From the fruit of a man’s mouth he enjoys good things, but the treacherous crave violence.
3 He who watches his mouth protects his life, but whoever opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
4 The slacker’s soul craves, yet has nothing, but the diligent soul will be satisfied.
5 A righteous person hates lying, but the wicked acts in shameful disgrace.
6 Righteousness guards one who walks in integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
7 One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
8 A man’s riches may ransom his life, but a poor person hears no threat.
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly. The lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
10 Arrogance yields nothing but strife. Wisdom belongs to those who take advice.
11 Wealth gained by fraud dwindles, but he who gathers by labor increases it.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 Whoever despises instruction will pay a penalty, but whoever respects a mitzvah will be rewarded.
14 Wise instruction is a fountain of life, turning one away from snares of death.
15 Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
16 Everyone shrewd acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.
18 He who spurns discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever accepts correction will be honored.
19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning away from evil.
20 He who walks with wise men is wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
21 Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
23 The fallow field of the poor yields much food, but it is swept away by injustice.
24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent with discipline.
25 The righteous eats to his heart’s content, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.