17Like one who grabs a dog by the ears

is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own.

18Like a madman shooting firebrands

and deadly arrows,

19so is the man who deceives his neighbor

and says, “I was only joking!”

20Without wood, a fire goes out;

without gossip, a conflict ceases.

21Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire,

so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

22The words of a gossip are like choice morsels

that go down into the inmost being.

23Like glaze covering an earthen vessel

are burning lips and a wicked heart.

24A hateful man disguises himself with his speech,

but he lays up deceit in his heart.

25When he speaks graciously, do not believe him,

for seven abominations fill his heart.

26Though his hatred is concealed by deception,

his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

27He who digs a pit will fall into it,

and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.

28A lying tongue hates those it crushes,

and a flattering mouth causes ruin.

Do Not Boast about Tomorrow

1Do not boast about tomorrow,

for you do not know what a day may bring.

2Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—

a stranger, and not your own lips.

3A stone is heavy and sand is a burden,

but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both.

4Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood,

but who can withstand jealousy?

5Better an open rebuke

than love that is concealed.

6The wounds of a friend are faithful,

but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

7The soul that is full loathes honey,

but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.

8Like a bird that strays from its nest

is a man who wanders from his home.

9Oil and incense bring joy to the heart,

and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul.

10Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend,

and do not go to your brother’s house

in the day of your calamity;

better a neighbor nearby

than a brother far away.

11Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart,

so that I can answer him who taunts me.

12The prudent see danger and take cover;

but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

13Take the garment of him who posts security for a stranger;

get collateral if it is for a foreigner.

14If one blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning,

it will be counted to him as a curse.

15A constant dripping on a rainy day

and a contentious woman are alike—

16restraining her is like holding back the wind

or grasping oil with one’s right hand.

17As iron sharpens iron,

so one man sharpens another.

18Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,

and he who looks after his master will be honored.

19As water reflects the face,

so the heart reflects the true man.

20Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied;

so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

21A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold,

but a man is tested by the praise accorded him.

22Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle,

yet his folly will not depart from him.

23Be sure to know the state of your flocks,

and pay close attention to your herds;

24for riches are not forever,

nor does a crown endure to every generation.

25When hay is removed and new growth appears

and the grain from the hills is gathered,

26the lambs will provide you with clothing,

and the goats with the price of a field.

27You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you—

food for your household

and nourishment for your maidservants.

The Boldness of the Righteous

1The wicked flee when no one pursues,

but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2A land in rebellion has many rulers,

but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.

3A destitute leader who oppresses the poor

is like a driving rain that leaves no food.

4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,

but those who keep the law resist them.

5Evil men do not understand justice,

but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.

6Better a poor man who walks with integrity

than a rich man whose ways are perverse.

7A discerning son keeps the law,

but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

8He who increases his wealth by interest and usury

lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.

9Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law,

even his prayer is detestable.

10He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit,

but the blameless will inherit what is good.

11A rich man is wise in his own eyes,

but a poor man with discernment sees through him.

12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,

but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

13He who conceals his sins will not prosper,

but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.

14Blessed is the man who is always reverent,

but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear

is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

16A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor,

but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.

17A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit;

let no one support him.

18He who walks with integrity will be kept safe,

but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.

19The one who works his land will have plenty of food,

but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

20A faithful man will abound with blessings,

but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

21To show partiality is not good,

yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

22A stingy man hastens after wealth

and does not know that poverty awaits him.

23He who rebukes a man will later find more favor

than one who flatters with his tongue.

24He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,”

is a companion to the man who destroys.

25A greedy man stirs up strife,

but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

26He who trusts in himself is a fool,

but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.

27Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need,

but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.

28When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves;

but when they perish, the righteous flourish.

The Flourishing of the Righteous

1A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof

will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.

2When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,

but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,

but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

4By justice a king brings stability to the land,

but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.