It is foolish to spread a net
where any bird can see it,

Such are the paths of all who make profit dishonestly;
it takes the lives of those who receive it.

Listen, my sons, to a father’s discipline,
and pay attention so that you may gain understanding,

For they can’t sleep
unless they have done what is evil;
they are robbed of sleep
unless they make someone stumble.

Can a man embrace fire
and his clothes not be burned?

Can a man walk on burning coals
without scorching his feet?

For wisdom is better than jewels,
and nothing desirable can compare with it.

A gracious woman gains honor,
but violent men gain only riches.

Stay away from a foolish man;
you will gain no knowledge from his speech.

A man’s spirit can endure sickness,
but who can survive a broken spirit?

It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute,
but any fool can get himself into a quarrel.

Many a man proclaims his own loyalty,
but who can find a trustworthy man?

Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;
I am cleansed from my sin”?

A man’s steps are determined by the Lord,
so how can anyone understand his own way?

for destruction from them will come suddenly;
who knows what distress these two can bring?

A ruler can be persuaded through patience,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

In his own eyes, a slacker is wiser
than seven men who can answer sensibly.

Fury is cruel, and anger a flood,
but who can withstand jealousy?

Be wise, my son, and bring my heart joy,
so that I can answer anyone who taunts me.

A leader who lacks understanding
is very oppressive,
but one who hates dishonest profit
prolongs his life.

A person’s pride will humble him,
but a humble spirit will gain honor.

Who has gone up to heaven and come down?
Who has gathered the wind in His hands?
Who has bound up the waters in a cloak?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is His name,
and what is the name of His Son—
if you know?

Three things are beyond me;
four I can’t understand:

a lizard can be caught in your hands,
yet it lives in kings’ palaces.

Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty
and remember his trouble no more.

Who can find a capable wife?
She is far more precious than jewels.

Strength and honor are her clothing,
and she can laugh at the time to come.