3
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tries hearts.
4
An evildoer listens to wicked lips; and a liar gives heed to a mischievous tongue.
5
He who mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
6
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of sons is their fathers.
7
Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince.
8
A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers.
9
He who forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter alienates a friend.
10
A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.
11
An evil man seeks only rebellion, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
12
Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his folly.
13
If a man returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.
14
The beginning of strife is like letting out water; so quit before the quarrel breaks out.
15
He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the LORD.
16
Why should a fool have a price in his hand to buy wisdom, when he has no mind?
17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
18
A man without sense gives a pledge, and becomes surety in the presence of his neighbor.
19
He who loves transgression loves strife; he who makes his door high seeks destruction.
20
A man of crooked mind does not prosper, and one with a perverse tongue falls into calamity.
21
A stupid son is a grief to a father; and the father of a fool has no joy.
22
A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.
23
A wicked man accepts a bribe from the bosom to pervert the ways of justice.