1Better a dry crust with quiet

than a house full of feasting with strife.*

2A wise servant will rule over an unworthy son,

and will share the inheritance of the children.*

3The crucible for silver, and the furnace for gold,

but the tester of hearts is the Lord.

4The evildoer gives heed to wicked lips,

the liar, to a mischievous tongue.

5Whoever mocks the poor reviles their Maker;

whoever rejoices in their misfortune will not go unpunished.a

6Children’s children are the crown of the elderly,

and the glory of children is their parentage.

7Fine words ill fit a fool;

how much more lying lips, a noble!

8A bribe seems a charm to its user;

at every turn it brings success.*

9Whoever overlooks an offense fosters friendship,

but whoever gossips about it separates friends.*

10A single reprimand does more for a discerning person

than a hundred lashes for a fool.*

11The wicked pursue only rebellion,

and a merciless messenger is sent against them.*

12Face a bear robbed of her cubs,

but never fools in their folly!*

13If you return evil for good,

evil will not depart from your house.* b

14The start of strife is like the opening of a dam;

check a quarrel before it bursts forth!

15Whoever acquits the wicked,c whoever condemns the just—

both are an abomination to the Lord.

16Of what use is money in the hands of fools

when they have no heart to acquire wisdom?*

17A friend is a friend at all times,

and a brother is born for the time of adversity.d

18Those without sense give their hands in pledge,

becoming surety for their neighbors.e

19Those who love an offense love a fight;f

those who build their gate high* court disaster.

20The perverse in heart come to no good,

and the double-tongued fall into trouble.*

21Whoever conceives a fool has grief;

the father of a numskull has no joy.

22A joyful heart is the health of the body,

but a depressed spirit dries up the bones.g

23A guilty person takes out a bribe from the pocket,

thus perverting the course of justice.*

24On the countenance of a discerning person is wisdom,h

but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.*

25A foolish son is vexation to his father,

and bitter sorrow to her who bore him.i

26It is wrong to fine an innocent person,

but beyond reason to scourge nobles.

27Those who spare their words are truly knowledgeable,

and those who are discreet are intelligent.j

28Even fools, keeping silent, are considered wise;

if they keep their lips closed, intelligent.*