Proverbs 19
The poor who live simply are better off than the rich who are unwise. Lack of self-awareness and impulsiveness lead to trouble, while wisdom and prudence bring good things. Wealth and power can bring friends, but true character is revealed in how one treats others, especially the poor. Those who are dishonest, lazy, or foolish will ultimately suffer consequences, while those who are merciful, patient, and wise will be rewarded.
Better is the poor who walks in his simplicity, than the rich who twists his lips and is unwiseWhere there is no knowledge of the soul, there is no good. And whoever hurries with his feet will stumbleThe foolishness of a man undermines his steps. And then he seethes in his soul against GodRiches add many friends. But from the pauper, even those whom he had become separatedA false witness shall not go unpunished. And whoever speaks lies will not escapeMany honor the character of one who is powerful, and there are friends for a giver of giftsThe brothers of the poor man hate him. Moreover, even his friends have withdrawn far from him. Whoever pursues only words shall have nothingBut whoever possesses reason loves his own soul. And one who guards prudence shall discover good thingsA false witness shall not go unpunished. And whoever speaks lies will perishFine things are not fitting for the foolish, nor is it fitting for a servant to rule over princesThe doctrine of a man is known through patience. And his glory is to pass beyond iniquitiesLike the roaring of a lion, so also is the wrath of a king. And his cheerfulness is like the dew upon the grassA foolish son is the grief of his father. And an argumentative wife is like a roof that is continually leakingA house and its riches are given by parents. But a prudent wife is particularly from the LordLaziness sends one into a deep sleep, and a dissolute soul will go hungryWhoever guards a commandment guards his own soul. But whoever neglects his own way will dieWhoever is merciful to the poor lends to the Lord. And he will repay him for his effortsTeach your son; do not despair. But do not set your soul toward putting him to deathWhoever is impatient will sustain damage. And when it has been taken away, he will set up anotherListen to counsel and take up discipline, so that you may be wise in your latter daysThere are many intentions in the heart of a man. But the will of the Lord shall stand firmAn indigent man is merciful. And a pauper is better than a deceitful manThe fear of the Lord is unto life. And he shall linger in plentitude, without being visited by disasterThe lazy conceals his hand under his arm, and he will not so much as bring it to his mouthWhen the pestilent are scourged, the foolish will become wiser. But if you chastise the wise, he will understand disciplineWhoever afflicts his father and flees from his mother is disreputable and unhappySon, do not cease listening to doctrine, and do not be ignorant of the sermons of knowledgeAn unjust witness ridicules judgment. And the mouth of the impious devours iniquityJudgments are prepared for those who ridicule. And striking hammers are prepared for the bodies of the foolish
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