1 Better [is] the poor that walketh in his integrity, than [he that is] perverse in his lips, and is a fool. 2 Also, [that] the soul [be] without knowledge, [it is] not good; and he that hasteth with [his] feet sinneth. 3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD. 4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. 5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall not escape. 6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man [is] a friend to him that giveth gifts. 7 All 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]. 8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. 9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall perish. 10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes. 11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and [it is] his glory to pass over a transgression. 12 The king's wrath [is] as the roaring of a lion; but his favour [is] as dew upon the grass. 13 A foolish son [is] the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife [are] a continual dropping. 14 House and riches [are] the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife [is] from the LORD. 15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. 16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; [but] he that despiseth his ways shall die. 17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. 18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. 19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver [him], yet thou must do it again. 20 Hear 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. 22 The desire of a man [is] his kindness: and a poor man [is] better than a liar. 23 The fear of the LORD [tendeth] to life: and [he that hath it] shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. 24 A slothful [man] hideth his hand in [his] bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, [and] he will understand knowledge. 26 He that wasteth [his] father, [and] chaseth away [his] mother, [is] a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach. 27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction [that causeth] to err from the words of knowledge. 28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. 29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools. (Proverbs 19:1-29 AV)
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