1Better is a dry morsel, and peace, than a house full of feasting with strife. 2A prudent servant will exercise needed oversight over his master’s disgraceful son, and will share in the inheritance like a family member. 3The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but the LORD tests and refines hearts. 4An evil-doer listens to gossip, and a liar listens to slanderous talk. 5He who mocks the poor insults his Maker; and he who is pleased at calamities shall not go unpunished. 6Children's children are the crown of the aged; and parents are the pride of their children. 7Fine speech is not fitting for a fool; much less lies from a ruler. 8A bribe is regarded as a charm stone by him that has given it; wherever he turns, he expects to prosper. 9He that forgives a transgression seeks love, but he that repeats a matter separates friends. 10A constructive criticism has more effect upon a wise man than a hundred lashes upon a fool. 11A rebellious man seeks only evil; therefore, a cruel messenger shall be dispatched against him. 12It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs, than a fool in his folly. 13Whoever rewards evil for good will never see evil depart from his home. 14Starting a quarrel is like bursting a dam; better to drop the matter before the dispute begins. 15Justifying the wicked, and condemning the innocent - they are both an abomination to the LORD. 16Why pay to educate or teach wisdom to a fool, since he has no desire for it? 17A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. 18A man lacking sense shakes hands, and pledges to become guarantor of a debt of his neighbor. 19Whoever loves a quarrel loves strife; and whoever trusts in high walls invites disaster. 20Those that have a corrupt heart find no good; and he that has a perverse tongue falls into trouble. 21He that has a fool for a child is destined to grief; and the father of a godless fool has no joy. 22A merry heart is like good medicine, but a broken spirit saps one’s strength. 23A wicked man secretly accepts a bribe to pervert justice. 24A discerning person keeps wisdom in sight; but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. 25A foolish son brings a grief to his father, and bitterness to his mother. 26To punish the just is not good, nor is punishing honest officials for their integrity. 27He that has knowledge uses his words with restraint; and a man of understanding is even-tempered. 28Even a fool is regarded as wise, when he is silent; and he that holds his tongue is esteemed to be intelligent.