The Proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of King Hezekiah of Judah copied:

The teaching of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the speech of the wicked conceals violence.

I walk in the path of righteousness, in the pathway of justice,

to guard the paths of the righteous and to protect the way of his pious ones.

Do not fret because of evil people or be envious of wicked people,

“Come, eat some of my food, and drink some of the wine I have mixed.

I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of one who lacks wisdom.

The teaching of the righteous feeds many, but fools die for lack of wisdom.

The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectation of the wicked will remain unfulfilled.

The Lord created me as the beginning of his works, before his deeds of long ago.

The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the reputation of the wicked will rot.

The plans of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

The household of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.

The Lord abhors the sacrifices of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,

The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked goes out.

The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools is folly.

The eyes of the Lord guard knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the faithless person.

Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no intention of acquiring wisdom?