1Better is a poor man, that goeth in his simpleness, than a rich man biting his lips, and unwise.

2Where is not knowing of the soul, there is not good; and he that is hasty, in feet hurteth [or stumbleth].

3The folly of a man deceiveth his steps; and he burneth in his soul against God.

4Riches increase full many friends; forsooth also they be departed from a poor man, which he had.

5A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he that speaketh leasings, shall not escape.

6Many men honour the person of a mighty man; and they be friends of him that dealeth gifts.

7The brethren of a poor man hate him; furthermore and the friends went away far from him. He that pursueth [or followeth] words only, shall have nothing;

8but he that holdeth stably the mind, loveth his soul, and the keeper of prudence shall find goods.

9A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he that speaketh leasings, shall perish.

10Delights become not a fool; neither it becometh a servant to be lord of princes.

11The teaching of a man is known by patience; and his glory is to pass over wicked things.

12As the gnashing of a lion, so and the ire of the king; and as dew on herb, so and the gladness of the king.

13The sorrow of the father is a fond [or foolish] son; and roofs dropping continually is a woman full of chiding.

14Houses and riches be given of father and mother; but a prudent wife is given properly of the Lord.

15Sloth bringeth in sleep; and a negligent soul shall have hunger.

16He that keepeth the commandment of God, keepeth his soul; but he that chargeth not [or despiseth] his way, shall be slain.

17He that hath mercy on a poor man, lendeth to the Lord; and he shall yield his while to him.

18Teach thy son, and despair thou not; but set [or put] thou not thy soul to the slaying of him.

19Forsooth he that is unpatient, shall suffer harm; and when he hath ravished, he shall lay to another thing.

20Hear thou counsel, and take thou doctrine; that thou be wise in thy last things.

21Many thoughts there be in the heart of a man; but the will of the Lord shall dwell.

22A needy man is merciful; and better is a poor just [or rightwise] man, than a man liar.

23Dread of the Lord leadeth to life; and he that dreadeth God shall dwell in plenty, without visiting of the worst or without full evil visiting.

24A slow man hideth his hand under his armpit, and putteth it not to his mouth.

25When a man full of pestilence is beaten, a fool shall be the wiser. If thou blamest a wise man, he shall understand teaching.

26He that tormenteth his father, and fleeth from his mother, shall be full of evil fame, and shall be cursed.

27Son, cease thou not to hear teaching; and know thou the words of knowing.

28A wicked witness scorneth doom; and the mouth of unpious men devoureth wickedness.

29Dooms be made ready to scorners; and hammers smiting be made ready to the bodies of fools.