| 1 The sluggard is like a stone in the mud; everyone hisses at his disgrace. |
| 2 The sluggard is like a lump of dung; whoever touches him wipes his hands. |
| 3 An unruly child is a disgrace to its father; if it be a daughter she brings him to poverty. |
| 4 A thoughtful daughter becomes a treasure to her husband, a shameless one is her father's grief. |
| 5 A hussy shames her father and her husband; by both she is despised. |
| 6 Like a song in time of mourning is inopportune talk, but lashes and discipline are at all times wisdom. |
| 7 Teaching a fool is like gluing a broken pot, or like disturbing a man in the depths of sleep; |
| 8 He talks with a slumberer who talks with a fool, for when it is over, he will say, "What was that?" |
| 9 Weep over the dead man, for his light has gone out; weep over the fool, for sense has left him. |
| 10 Weep but a little over the dead man, for he is at rest; but worse than death is the life of a fool. |
| 11 Seven days of mourning for the dead, but for the wicked fool a whole lifetime. |
| 12 Speak but seldom with the stupid man, be not the companion of a brute; |
| 13 Beware of him lest you have trouble and be spattered when he shakes himself; Turn away from him and you will find rest and not be wearied by his lack of sense. |
| 14 What is heavier than lead, and what is its name but "Fool"? |
| 15 Sand and salt and an iron mass are easier to bear than a stupid man. |
| 16 Masonry bonded with wooden beams is not loosened by an earthquake; Neither is a resolve constructed with careful deliberation shaken in a moment of fear. |
| 17 A resolve that is backed by prudent understanding is like the polished surface of a smooth wall. |
| 18 Small stones lying on an open height will not remain when the wind blows; Neither can a timid resolve based on foolish plans withstand fear of any kind. |
| 19 One who jabs the eye brings tears: he who pierces the heart bares its feelings. |
| 20 He who throws stones at birds drives them away, and he who insults a friend breaks up the friendship. |
| 21 Should you draw a sword against a friend, despair not, it can be undone. |
| 22 Should you speak sharply to a friend, fear not, you can be reconciled. But a contemptuous insult, a confidence broken, or a treacherous attack will drive away any friend. |
| 23 Make fast friends with a man while he is poor; thus will you enjoy his prosperity with him. In time of trouble remain true to him, so as to share in his inheritance when it comes. |
| 24 Before flames burst forth an oven smokes; so does abuse come before bloodshed. |
| 25 From a friend in need of support no one need hide in shame; |
| 26 But from him who brings harm to his friend all will stand aloof who hear of it. |
| 27 Who will set a guard over my mouth, and upon my lips an effective seal, That I may not fail through them, that my tongue may not destroy me? |