19 It is better to humble oneself in spirit with the meek than to share the spoils with the proud.

20 He that doeth wisely shall find good, and he that trusteth in the Lord is blessed.

21 He who is wise in heart will be called prudent, and sweet speech will add to learning.

22 Understanding is the fountain of life to those who have it, but the learning of fools is foolishness.

23 The heart of a wise man maketh his tongue wise, and multiplies knowledge in his mouth.

24 Pleasant speech is honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and healing to the bones.

25 There are ways that seem straight to man, but the end of them is the way to death.

26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself, because his mouth compeleth him unto it.

27 A wicked man deviseth evil, and on his lips it is as a scorching fire.

28 A deceitful man sows discord, and an earpiece separates friends.

29 A man who is ill-intentioned destroys his neighbor, and leads him into the way of evil;

30 He squints his eyes to devise deceit; biting his lips, he commits an evil deed; [he is the furnace of malice].

31 The crown of glory is gray hair, which is in the way of righteousness.

32 He who is long-suffering is better than the valiant, and he who controls himself is better than the conqueror of a city.

33 Lots are cast in the floor, but the whole decision thereof is from the Lord.

Chapter 17

1 Better is a piece of dry bread, and peace with it, than a house full of slaughtered cattle, with strife.

2 A wise servant shall rule over a dissolute son, and shall divide the inheritance among the brethren.

3 The furnace is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, but the Lord tries hearts.

4 The wicked hearken to the mouth of the wicked, the liar hearken to the tongue of perniciousness.

5 Whoever mocks the poor blasphemes his Maker; he who rejoices in misfortune will not go unpunished [but the merciful will have mercy].