[1] Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
[2] The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.
[3] It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.
[4] The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there.
[5] The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
[6] Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?
[7] The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him.
[8] A king who sits on a throne to judge sifts out all evil with his eyes.
[9] Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”?
[10] Differing weights and unequal measures — both are detestable to the LORD.
[11] Even a young man is known by his actions— whether his conduct is pure and upright.
[12] Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both.
[13] Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food.
[14] “Worthless, worthless!” says the buyer, but on the way out, he gloats.
[15] There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.
[16] Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.
[17] Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel.
[18] Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.
[19] He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.
[20] Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.
[21] An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end.
[22] Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.
[23] Unequal weights are detestable to the LORD, and dishonest scales are no good.
[24] A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way?
[25] It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.
[26] A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them.
[27] The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being.
[28] Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne.
[29] The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old.
[30] Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts.