Chapter 19

Better the poverty which keeps to honest ways, than the lot of a rich man who never learned to speak truth.

Lack learning, all is not well within; ever the hasty stumble.

Tripped by his own folly, a man eats his heart out, finding fault with the Lord.

Riches will make thee new friends a many, poverty rob thee of the old.

Perjury will bring its own punishment; never was liar yet that escaped his doom.

Suitors a many the princely heart shall have; give, and thou shalt find friends.

The beggar wearies out his kinsmen; his friends, too, will shun him. Who hunts idle talk, comes home empty-handed;

as thou lovest thy life get wisdom; discernment at thy side, thou shalt speed well.

Perjury will bring its own punishment; never was liar but met his doom.

Ill days, when fools live in comfort; worse yet, when servants sway their own masters.

Patience is wisdom’s livery; there is no such boast as a wrong overlooked.

Of the king’s frown beware, as of lion roaring; welcome as dew on the grass his smile.

Great hurt it is to be a fool’s father; he has a roof that drips unendingly, who is husband to a scold.

House and hoard a man may inherit; it is the Lord’s gift only, if he have a wife that minds her ways.

Sloth brings the sleep that has no awaking; idle hands, empty belly.

Law observed is life preserved; the careless step leads the way to death.

Befriend the poor, and lend to the Lord; he will repay faithfully.

Chasten thy son still, nor despair of his amendment; still let the death of him be far from thy thoughts.

He injures himself, that is ungovernable in rage; every advantage he seizes does but injure him the more.

Give heed to counsel, accept correction, and thou shalt be wise at last.

Thought jostles thought in man’s heart; the Lord’s will stands firm.

Poverty is the school of piety; better need than knavery.

Fear of the Lord leads on to life, life where all is contentment, and no ill may come.

With folded hands the sluggard sits by, and never puts hand to mouth.

The lash for the reckless, if thou wouldst turn a fool into a wise man; only cool heads will profit by a rebuke.

Shame on the wretch that brings ruin on his own father, drives his own mother out of doors.

Never weary, my son, of giving heed to warnings; never let the counsels of experience pass thee by.

Out on the faithless witness that scorns right; the sinful souls that are ever greedy for wrong-doing!

There is a doom awaits the reckless; there are thick cudgels ready for the fool’s back.