1. It is better to eat a dry crust of bread in peace and quiet than to eat a big dinner in a house that is full of fighting.
2. A wise servant will rule over a shameful child. He will be given part of the property as if he were a family member.
3. Fire tests silver. Heat tests gold. But the Lord tests our hearts.
4. An evil person listens to evil words. A liar pays attention to words that are harmful.
5. Anyone who laughs at those who are poor makes fun of their Maker. Anyone who is happy when others suffer will be punished.
6. Grandchildren are like a crown to older people. And children are proud of their parents.
7. It isn't proper for foolish people to brag. And it certainly isn't proper for rulers to tell lies!
8. Money buys favors for those who give it. No matter where they turn, they succeed.
9. Those who erase a sin by forgiving it show love. But those who talk about it come between close friends.
10. A person who understands what is right learns more from just a warning than a foolish person learns from 100 strokes with a whip.
11. An evil person never wants to obey. An official who shows no mercy will be sent against him.
12. It is better to meet a bear whose cubs have been stolen than to meet a foolish person who is acting foolishly.
13. Evil will never leave the house of anyone who pays back evil for good.
14. Starting to argue is like making a crack in a dam. So drop the matter before a fight breaks out.
15. The Lord hates two things. He hates it when the guilty are set free. He also hates it when those who aren't guilty are punished.
16. What good is money in the hands of a foolish person? He doesn't want to become wise.