Proverbs

1Better {is} the poor that walketh in his integrity, than {he that is} perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

2Also, {that} the soul {be} without knowledge, {it is} not good; and he that hasteth with {his} feet sinneth.

3The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.

4Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

5A false witness shall not be unpunished, and {he that} speaketh lies shall not escape. {unpunished: Heb. held innocent}

6Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man {is} a friend to him that giveth gifts. {him...: Heb. a man of gifts}

7All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth {them with} words, {yet} they {are} wanting {to him}.

8He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. {wisdom: Heb. an heart}

9A false witness shall not be unpunished, and {he that} speaketh lies shall perish.

10Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

11The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and {it is} his glory to pass over a transgression. {discretion: or, prudence}

12The king's wrath {is} as the roaring of a lion; but his favour {is} as dew upon the grass.

13A foolish son {is} the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife {are} a continual dropping.

14House and riches {are} the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife {is} from the LORD.

15Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

16He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; {but} he that despiseth his ways shall die.

17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. {that which...: or, his deed}

18Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. {for...: or, to his destruction: or, to cause him to die}

19A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver {him}, yet thou must do it again. {do: Heb. add}

20Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

21{There are} many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

22The desire of a man {is} his kindness: and a poor man {is} better than a liar.

23The fear of the LORD {tendeth} to life: and {he that hath it} shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

24A slothful {man} hideth his hand in {his} bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, {and} he will understand knowledge. {will beware: Heb. will be cunning}

26He that wasteth {his} father, {and} chaseth away {his} mother, {is} a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

27Cease, my son, to hear the instruction {that causeth} to err from the words of knowledge.

28An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. {An...: Heb. A witness of Belial}

29Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.