Better is the Poor Man with Integrity

1Better [is] the poor walking in his integrity, Than the perverse [in] his lips, who [is] a fool.

2Also, without knowledge the soul [is] not good, And the hasty in feet is sinning.

3The folly of man perverteth his way, And against Jehovah is his heart wroth.

4Wealth addeth many friends, And the poor from his neighbour is separated.

5A false witness is not acquitted, Whoso breatheth out lies is not delivered.

6Many entreat the face of the noble, And all have made friendship to a man of gifts.

7All the brethren of the poor have hated him, Surely also his friends have been far from him, He is pursuing words — they are not!

8Whoso is getting heart is loving his soul, He is keeping understanding to find good.

9A false witness is not acquitted, And whoso breatheth out lies perisheth.

10Luxury is not comely for a fool, Much less for a servant to rule among princes.

11The wisdom of a man hath deferred his anger, And his glory [is] to pass over transgression.

12The wrath of a king [is] a growl as of a young lion, And as dew on the herb his good-will.

13A calamity to his father [is] a foolish son, And the contentions of a wife [are] a continual dropping.

14House and wealth [are] the inheritance of fathers, And from Jehovah [is] an understanding wife.

15Sloth causeth deep sleep to fall, And an indolent soul doth hunger.

16Whoso is keeping the command is keeping his soul, Whoso is despising His ways dieth.

17Whoso is lending [to] Jehovah is favouring the poor, And his deed He repayeth to him.

18Chastise thy son, for there is hope, And to put him to death lift not up thy soul.

19A man of great wrath is bearing punishment, For, if thou dost deliver, yet again thou dost add.

20Hear counsel and receive instruction, So that thou art wise in thy latter end.

21Many [are] the purposes in a man’s heart, And the counsel of Jehovah it standeth.

22The desirableness of a man [is] his kindness, And better [is] the poor than a liar.

23The fear of Jehovah [is] to life, And satisfied he remaineth — he is not charged with evil.

24The slothful hath hidden his hand in a dish, Even unto his mouth he bringeth it not back.

25A scorner smite, and the simple acts prudently, And give reproof to the intelligent, He understandeth knowledge.

26Whoso is spoiling a father causeth a mother to flee, A son causing shame, and bringing confusion.

27Cease, my son, to hear instruction — To err from sayings of knowledge.

28A worthless witness scorneth judgment, And the mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity.

29Judgments have been prepared for scorners, And stripes for the back of fools!