He who withholds the rod [of discipline] hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines and trains him diligently and appropriately [with wisdom and love].

He who walks [as a companion] with wise men will be wise,
But the companions of [conceited, dull-witted] fools [are fools themselves and] will experience harm.

The teaching of the wise is a fountain and source of life,
So that one may avoid the snares of death.

Good understanding wins favor [from others],
But the way of the unfaithful is hard [like barren, dry soil].

Every prudent and self-disciplined man acts with knowledge,
But a [closed-minded] fool [who refuses to learn] displays his foolishness [for all to see].

A wicked messenger falls into hardship,
But a faithful ambassador brings healing.

Poverty and shame will come to him who refuses instruction and discipline,
But he who accepts and learns from reproof or censure is honored.

Adversity pursues sinners,
But the [consistently] upright will be rewarded with prosperity.

Abundant food is in the fallow (uncultivated) ground of the poor,
But [without protection] it is swept away by injustice.

The [consistently] righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,
But the stomach of the wicked is in need [of bread].

Desire realized is sweet to the soul;
But it is detestable to fools to turn away from evil [which they have planned].

A wise son heeds and accepts [and is the result of] his father’s discipline and instruction,
But a scoffer does not listen to reprimand and does not learn from his errors.

The soul (appetite) of the lazy person craves and gets nothing [for lethargy overcomes ambition],
But the soul (appetite) of the diligent [who works willingly] is rich and abundantly supplied.

The one who guards his mouth [thinking before he speaks] protects his life;
The one who opens his lips wide [and chatters without thinking] comes to ruin.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
But when desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.

Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles,
But he who gathers gradually by [honest] labor will increase [his riches].

Whoever despises the word and counsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself,
But he who [reverently] fears and respects the commandment [of God] will be rewarded.

Through pride and presumption come nothing but strife,
But [skillful and godly] wisdom is with those who welcome [well-advised] counsel.

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for [the hands of] the righteous.

From the fruit of his mouth a [wise] man enjoys good,
But the desire of the treacherous is for violence.

There is one who pretends to be rich, yet has nothing at all;
Another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

A righteous man hates lies,
But a wicked man is loathsome, and he acts shamefully.

The light of the righteous [within him—grows brighter and] rejoices,
But the lamp of the wicked [is a temporary light and] goes out.

Righteousness (being in right standing with God) guards the one whose way is blameless,
But wickedness undermines and overthrows the sinner.

The ransom for a man’s life is his wealth,
But the poor man does not even have to listen to a rebuke or threats [from the envious].