Better is the Poor Man with Integrity

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

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

3The foolishness of man subverteth his way; and his heart fretteth against the LORD.

4Wealth addeth many friends: but the poor is separated from his friend.

5A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he that uttereth lies shall not escape.

6Many will entreat the favour of the liberal man: and every man is a friend to him that giveth 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, but they are gone.

8He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

9A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he that uttereth lies shall perish.

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

11The discretion of a man maketh him slow to anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

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 an inheritance from fathers: but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

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

16He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul: but he that is careless of his ways shall die.

17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD, and his good deed will he pay him again.

18Chasten thy son, seeing there is hope; and set not thy heart on his destruction.

19A man of great wrath shall bear the penalty: for if thou deliver him, thou must do it yet again.

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

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

22The desire of a man is the measure of 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.

24The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25smite a scorner, and the simple will learn prudence: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

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

27Cease, my son, to hear instruction only to err from the words of knowledge.

28A worthless witness mocketh at judgment: and the mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity.

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