1  A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. 2  A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. 3  He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. 4  The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. 5  A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. 6  Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.* 7  There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. 8  The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. 9  The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.† 10  Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. 11  Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.‡ 12  Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. 13  Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.§ 14  The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 15  Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard. 16  Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.** 17  A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.†† 18  Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. 19  The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil. 20  He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.‡‡ 21  Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed. 22  A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. 23  Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. 24  He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. 25  The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.