Better is the Poor Man with Integrity

1Better is the poor that walks in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

2Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hastens with his feet sins.

3The foolishness of man perverts his way: and his heart frets against the LORD.

4Wealth makes many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbor.

5A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall not escape.

6Many will entreat the favor of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that gives gifts.

7All the brothers of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursues them with words, yet they are wanting to him.

8He that gets wisdom loves his own soul: he that keeps understanding shall find good.

9A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall perish.

10Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

11The discretion of a man defers his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

12The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favor is as dew on the grass.

13A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

14House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

15Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

16He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul; but he that despises his ways shall die.

17He that has pity on the poor lends to the LORD; and that which he has given will he pay him again.

18Chasten your son while there is hope, and let not your soul spare for his crying.

19A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if you deliver him, yet you must do it again.

20Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end.

21There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

22The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

23The fear of the LORD tends to life: and he that has it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

24A slothful man hides his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that has understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

26He that wastes his father, and chases away his mother, is a son that causes shame, and brings reproach.

27Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causes to err from the words of knowledge.

28An ungodly witness scorns judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.

29Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.