משלי יט

Better a pauper who lives blamelessly
Than one who speaks perversely and is a dullard.

A person without knowledge is surely not good;
One who moves hurriedly blunders.

Mortals’ folly subverts their way,
And their hearts rage against GOD.

Wealth makes many friends,
But a pauper is left friendless.

A false witness will not go unpunished;
One who testifies lies will not escape.

Many court the favor of a noble,
And all are the friends of a man who dispenses gifts.

The poor are despised even by their kin;
How much more are they shunned by their friends!
One who pursues words—they are of no avail.

Those who acquire wisdom are their own best friend;
They preserve understanding and attain happiness.

A false witness will not go unpunished;
One who testifies falsely is doomed.

Luxury is not fitting for a dullard,
Much less that a servant rule over princes.

People show intelligence by their forbearance;
It is their glory when they overlook an offense.

The rage of a king is like the roar of a lion;
His favor is like dew upon the grass.

A stupid son is a calamity to his father;
The nagging of a wife is like the endless dripping of water.

Property and riches are bequeathed by fathers,
But an efficient wife comes from GOD.

Laziness induces sleep,
And a negligent person will go hungry.

Those who have regard for their lives pay regard to commandments;
Those who are heedless of their ways will die.

Those who are generous to the poor make a loan to GOD—
They will receive their due.

Discipline your son while there is still hope,
And do not set your heart on his destruction.

A hot-tempered man incurs punishment;
If you try to save him you will only make it worse.

Listen to advice and accept discipline
In order that you may be wise in the end.

Many designs are in a person’s mind,
But it is GOD’s plan that is accomplished.

Greed is a reproach to a man;
Better be poor than a deceitful man.

One who fears GOD earns life,
And shall abide in contentment,
Free from misfortune.

A sluggard buries a hand in the bowl,
And will not even bring it to the mouth.

Beat scoffers and the simple will become clever;
Reprove the intelligent and they gain knowledge.

A son who causes shame and disgrace
Plunders his father, puts his mother to flight.

My son, cease to stray from words of knowledge
And receive discipline.

A malicious witness scoffs at justice,
And the speech of the wicked conceals mischief.

Punishments are in store for scoffers
And blows for the backs of dullards.