3. Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,but the lord tests the heart.
4. Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip;liars pay close attention to slander.
5. Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.
6. Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged;parents are the pride of their children.
7. Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool;even less are lies fitting for a ruler.
8. A bribe is like a lucky charm;whoever gives one will prosper!
9. Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,but dwelling on it separates close friends.
10. A single rebuke does more for a person of understandingthan a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.
11. Evil people are eager for rebellion,but they will be severely punished.
12. It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubsthan to confront a fool caught in foolishness.
13. If you repay good with evil,evil will never leave your house.
14. Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate,so stop before a dispute breaks out.
15. Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—both are detestable to the lord.
16. It is senseless to pay to educate a fool,since he has no heart for learning.
17. A friend is always loyal,and a brother is born to help in time of need.
18. It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debtor put up security for a friend.
19. Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin;anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster.