1. Better is a dry piece of bread and rest with it, Than a house filled with the offerings of strife.
2. A wise servant rules over a son who causes shame, And shares an inheritance among the brothers.
3. A refining pot is for silver and a furnace for gold, But יהוה tries the hearts.
4. An evil-doer gives heed to wicked lips; A liar gives ear to a tongue of desire.
5. He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who rejoices at calamity does not go unpunished.
6. Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the adornment of children is their fathers.
7. Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less lying lips for a noble.
8. A bribe is a stone of favour in the eyes of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers.
9. He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.
10. Reproof enters deeper into a wise man Than a hundred blows on a fool.
11. An evil one seeks only rebellion, So a cruel messenger is sent against him.
12. Let a bereaved bear meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly.
13. Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil does not leave his house.
14. The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop fighting before it breaks out.
15. He who declares the wrong right, And he who condemns the righteous, Both of them are an abomination to יהוה.
16. Why is this – a price in the hand Of a fool to buy wisdom, When there is no heart?
17. A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.
18. A man lacking heart shakes hands in a pledge, He becomes a guarantor for his friend.
19. He who loves transgression loves strife, He who exalts his door seeks destruction.