The Man of Integrity

¹ Better a poor man who walks with integrity

than a fool whose lips are perverse.

² Even zeal is no good without knowledge,

and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.

³ A man’s own folly subverts his way,

yet his heart rages against the LORD.

⁴ Wealth attracts many friends,

but a poor man is deserted by his friend.

⁵ A false witness will not go unpunished,

and one who utters lies will not escape.

⁶ Many seek the favor of the prince,

and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.

⁷ All the brothers of a poor man hate him —

how much more do his friends avoid him!

He may pursue them with pleading,

but they are nowhere to be found.

⁸ He who acquires wisdom loves himself;

one who safeguards understanding will find success.

⁹ A false witness will not go unpunished,

and one who pours out lies will perish.

¹⁰ Luxury is unseemly for a fool—

how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!

¹¹ A man’s insight gives him patience,

and his virtue is to overlook an offense.

¹² A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion,

but his favor is like dew on the grass.

¹³ A foolish son is his father’s ruin,

and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.

¹⁴ Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers,

but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

¹⁵ Laziness brings on deep sleep,

and an idle soul will suffer hunger.

¹⁶ He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul,

but he who is careless in his ways will die.

¹⁷ Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD,

and He will repay the lender.

¹⁸ Discipline your son, for in that there is hope;

do not be party to his death.

¹⁹ A man of great anger must pay the penalty;

if you rescue him, you will have to do so again.

²⁰ Listen to counsel and accept discipline,

that you may be wise the rest of your days.

²¹ Many plans are in a man’s heart,

but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.

²² The desire^* of a man is loving devotion;

better to be poor than a liar.

²³ The fear of the LORD leads to life,

that one may rest content, without visitation^* from harm.

²⁴ The slacker buries his hand in the dish;

he will not even bring it back to his mouth.

²⁵ Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware;

rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.

²⁶ He who assaults his father or evicts his mother

is a son who brings shame and disgrace.

²⁷ If you cease to hear instruction, my son,

you will stray from the words of knowledge.

²⁸ A corrupt witness mocks justice,

and a wicked^* mouth swallows iniquity.

²⁹ Judgments are prepared for mockers,

and beatings for the backs of fools.