The Man of Integrity

Better a poor man who walks with integrity

than a fool whose lips are perverse.

2 

Even zeal is no good without knowledge,

and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.

3 

A man’s own folly subverts his way,

yet his heart rages against the LORD.

4 

Wealth attracts many friends,

but a poor man is deserted by his friend.

5 

A false witness will not go unpunished,

and one who utters lies will not escape.

6 

Many seek the favor of the prince,

and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.

7 

All the brothers of a poor man hate him —

how much more do his friends avoid him!

He may pursue them with pleading,

but they are nowhere to be found.

8 

He who acquires wisdom loves himself;

one who safeguards understanding will find success.

9 

A false witness will not go unpunished,

and one who pours out lies will perish.

10 

Luxury vvv is unseemly for a fool—

how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!

11 

A man’s insight gives him patience

and his virtue is to overlook an offense.

12 

A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion,

but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13 

A foolish son is his father’s ruin,

and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.

14 

Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers,

but a prudent wife [is] from the LORD.

15 

Laziness brings on deep sleep,

and an idle soul will suffer hunger.

16 

He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul,

[but] he who is careless in his ways will die.

17 

Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD,

and He will repay [the lender].

18 

Discipline your son, for in that there is hope;

do not be party to his death.

19 

A man of great anger must pay the penalty;

if you rescue [him], vvv you will have to do so again.

20 

Listen to counsel and accept discipline,

that you may be wise the rest of your days.

21 

Many plans are in a man’s heart,

but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.

22 

The desire of a man is loving devotion;

better to be poor than a liar.

23 

The fear of the LORD leads to life,

that one may rest content, without visitation from harm.

24 

The slacker buries his hand in the dish;

he will not even bring it back to his mouth.

25 

Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware;

rebuke the discerning [man], and he will gain knowledge.

26 

He who assaults his father or evicts his mother

is a son who brings shame and disgrace.

27 

If you cease to hear instruction, my son,

you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28 

A corrupt witness mocks justice,

and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity.

29 

Judgments are prepared for mockers,

and beatings for the backs of fools.