Proverbs 13:3-13

3 He that keeps his own mouth keeps his own life: but he that is hasty with his lips shall bring terror upon himself.

4 Every slothful man desires, but the hands of the active are diligent.

5 A righteous man hates an unjust word: but an ungodly man is ashamed, and will have no confidence.

6

7 There are who, having nothing, enrich themselves: and there are who bring themselves down in much wealth.

8 A man's own wealth is the ransom of his life: but the poor endures not threatening.

9 The righteous always have light: but the light of the ungodly is quenched. Crafty souls go astray in sins: but just men pity, and are merciful.

10 A bad man does evil with insolence: but they that are judges of themselves are wise.

11 Wealth gotten hastily with iniquity is diminished: but he that gathers for himself with godliness shall be increased. The righteous is merciful, and lends.

12 Better is he that begins to help heartily, than he that promises and leads to hope: for a good desire is a tree of life.

13 He that slights a matter shall be slighted of it: but he that fears the commandment has health . To a crafty son there shall be nothing good: but a wise servant shall have prosperous doings, and his way shall be directed aright.

Footnotes

• [a]. See Appendix for Alexandrine text shown as: “Righteousness preserves the simple in the way, but sin makes worthless the ungodly.”
• [b]. Or, comes not in for.