The Man of Integrity

1Better is the poor who walks in his simplicity, than the rich who twists his lips and is unwise.

2Where there is no knowledge of the soul, there is no good. And whoever hurries with his feet will stumble.

3The foolishness of a man undermines his steps. And then he seethes in his soul against God.

4Riches adds many friends. But from the pauper, even those whom he had become separated.

5A false witness shall not go unpunished. And whoever speaks lies will not escape.

6Many honor the character of one who is powerful, and there are friends for a giver of gifts.

7The brothers of the poor man hate him. Moreover, even his friends have withdrawn far from him. Whoever pursues only words shall have nothing.

8But whoever possesses reason loves his own soul. And one who guards prudence shall discover good things.

9A false witness shall not go unpunished. And whoever speaks lies will perish.

10Fine things are not fitting for the foolish, nor is it fitting for a servant to rule over princes.

11The doctrine of a man is known through patience. And his glory is to pass beyond iniquities.

12Like the roaring of a lion, so also is the wrath of a king. And his cheerfulness is like the dew upon the grass.

13A foolish son is the grief of his father. And an argumentative wife is like a roof that is continually leaking.

14A house and its riches are given by parents. But a prudent wife is particularly from the Lord.

15Laziness sends one into a deep sleep, and a dissolute soul will go hungry.

16Whoever guards a commandment guards his own soul. But whoever neglects his own way will die.

17Whoever is merciful to the poor lends to the Lord. And he will repay him for his efforts.

18Teach your son; do not despair. But do not set your soul toward putting him to death.

19Whoever is impatient will sustain damage. And when it has been taken away, he will set up another.

20Listen to counsel and take up discipline, so that you may be wise in your latter days.

21There are many intentions in the heart of a man. But the will of the Lord shall stand firm.

22An indigent man is merciful. And a pauper is better than a deceitful man.

23The fear of the Lord is unto life. And he shall linger in plentitude, without being visited by disaster.

24The lazy conceals his hand under his arm, and he will not so much as bring it to his mouth.

25When the pestilent are scourged, the foolish will become wiser. But if you chastise the wise, he will understand discipline.

26Whoever afflicts his father and flees from his mother is disreputable and unhappy.

27Son, do not cease listening to doctrine, and do not be ignorant of the sermons of knowledge.

28An unjust witness ridicules judgment. And the mouth of the impious devours iniquity.

29Judgments are prepared for those who ridicule. And striking hammers are prepared for the bodies of the foolish.