¹ Better is the poor who walks in his simplicity, than the rich who twists his lips and is unwise.

² Where there is no knowledge of the soul, there is no good. And whoever hurries with his feet will stumble.

³ The foolishness of a man undermines his steps. And then he seethes in his soul against God.

⁴ Riches add many friends. But from the pauper, even those whom he had become separated.

⁵ A false witness shall not go unpunished. And whoever speaks lies will not escape.

⁶ Many honor the character of one who is powerful, and there are friends for a giver of gifts.

⁷ The brothers of the poor man hate him. Moreover, even his friends have withdrawn far from him. Whoever pursues only words shall have nothing.

⁸ But whoever possesses reason loves his own soul. And one who guards prudence shall discover good things.

⁹ A false witness shall not go unpunished. And whoever speaks lies will perish.

¹⁰ Fine things are not fitting for the foolish, nor is it fitting for a servant to rule over princes.

¹¹ The doctrine of a man is known through patience. And his glory is to pass beyond iniquities.

¹² Like the roaring of a lion, so also is the wrath of a king. And his cheerfulness is like the dew upon the grass.

¹³ A foolish son is the grief of his father. And an argumentative wife is like a roof that is continually leaking.¹

1. 19:13Literally, ‘perstillantia’ means ‘dripping through,’ i.e. leaking.(Conte)

¹⁴ A house and its riches are given by parents. But a prudent wife is particularly from the Lord.

¹⁵ Laziness sends one into a deep sleep, and a dissolute soul will go hungry.

¹⁶ Whoever guards a commandment guards his own soul. But whoever neglects his own way will die.

¹⁷ Whoever is merciful to the poor lends to the Lord. And he will repay him for his efforts.

¹⁸ Teach your son; do not despair. But do not set your soul toward putting him to death.

¹⁹ Whoever is impatient will sustain damage. And when it has been taken away, he will set up another.

²⁰ Listen to counsel and take up discipline, so that you may be wise in your latter days.

²¹ There are many intentions in the heart of a man. But the will of the Lord shall stand firm.

²² An indigent man is merciful. And a pauper is better than a deceitful man.

²³ The fear of the Lord is unto life. And he shall linger in plentitude, without being visited by disaster.¹

1. 19:23The word ‘pessima’ like the word ‘mala’ can refer to what is wicked or evil, but it can also refer to disaster or misfortune.(Conte)

²⁴ The lazy conceals his hand under his arm, and he will not so much as bring it to his mouth.

²⁵ When the pestilent are scourged, the foolish will become wiser. But if you chastise the wise, he will understand discipline.

²⁶ Whoever afflicts his father and flees from his mother is disreputable and unhappy.

²⁷ Son, do not cease listening to doctrine, and do not be ignorant of the sermons of knowledge.

²⁸ An unjust witness ridicules judgment. And the mouth of the impious devours iniquity.

²⁹ Judgments are prepared for those who ridicule. And striking hammers are prepared for the bodies of the foolish.