A Wise Son Heeds his Father's Instruction

1A wise son heareth the doctrine of his father: but he that is a scorner, heareth not when he is reproved.

2Of the fruit of his own month shall a man be filled with good things: but the soul of transgressors is wicked.

3He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his soul: but he that hath no guard on his speech shall meet with evils.

4The sluggard willeth, and willeth not: but the soul of them that work, shall be made fat.

5The just shall hate a lying word: but the wicked confoundeth, and shall be confounded.

6Justice keepeth the way of the innocent: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

7One is as it were rich, when he hath nothing and another is as it were poor, when he hath great riches.

8The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but he that is poor, beareth not reprehension.

9The light of the just giveth joy: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

10Among the proud there are always contentions: but they that do all things with counsel, are ruled by wisdom.

11Substance got in haste shall be diminished: but that which by little and little is gathered with the hand, shall increase.

12Hope that is deferred afflicteth the soul: desire when it cometh, is a tree of life.

13Whosoever speaketh ill of any thing, bindeth himself for the time to come: but he that feareth the commandment, shall dwell in peace. Deceitful souls go astray in sins: the just are merciful, and shew mercy.

14The law of the wise is a fountain of life, that he may decline from the ruin of death.

15Good instruction shall give grace: in the way of scorners is a deep pit.

16The prudent man doth all things with counsel: but he that is a fool, layeth open his folly.

17The messenger of the wicked shall fall into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

18Poverty and shame to him that refuseth instruction: but he that yieldeth to reproof shall be glorified.

19The desire that is accomplished, delighteth the soul: fools hate them that flee from evil things.

20He that walketh with the wise, shall be wise: a friend of fools shall become like to them.

21Evil pursueth sinners: and to the just good shall be repaid.

22The good man leaveth heirs, sons, and grandsons: and the substance of the sinner is kept for the just.

23Much food is in the tillage of fathers: but for others it is gathered without judgment.

24He that spareth the rod, hateth his son: but he that loveth him, correcteth him betimes.

25The just eateth and filleth his soul: but the belly of the wicked is never to be filled.