5 The providence of the righteous is righteousness, but the designs of the wicked are deceit.

6 The words of the wicked are an ambush for the shedding of blood, but the mouth of the righteous saves them.

7 Touch the wicked with misfortune, and they are gone, but the house of the righteous stands.

8 A man is praised according to the measure of his understanding, but he who is corrupt in heart will be despised.

9 Better is he who is simple, but works for himself, than he who pretends to be a nobleman, but has need of bread.

10 A righteous man careth also for the life of his cattle, but the heart of the wicked is hard.

11 Whosoever till his land shall be satisfied with bread; but whoever follows in the footsteps of idle lovers is dull-witted. [Whoever takes pleasure in wasting time in wine will leave disgrace in his house.]

12 The wicked desire to ensnare evil; but the root of the righteous is firm.

13 The wicked are caught by the sins of his mouth; but the righteous will get out of trouble. [He who looks meekly will have mercy, but he who meets him in the gate will oppress others.]

14 By the fruit of his mouth a man is filled with good, and the recompense of a man is according to the works of his hands.

15 The way of a fool is straight in his sight; but he who listens to counsel is wise.

16 A fool will immediately show his anger, but a prudent one hides his offense.

17 He that speaketh what he knoweth speaketh the truth; but a false witness has deception.

18 Some talk of empty words wound as with a sword, but the tongue of the wise healeth.

19 A righteous mouth abides forever, but a lying tongue only for a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of evildoers, joy is in the heart of peacemakers.

21 No evil shall befall the righteous, but the wicked shall be full of evil.

22 A lying mouth is an abomination to the Lord, but they that speak the truth are acceptable to him.

23 A prudent man hides knowledge, but the heart of fools expresses foolishness.

24 The hand of the diligent shall reign, but the sluggard shall be under tribute.

25 The anguish in a man's heart oppresses him, but a kind word cheers him up.