Death and Destruction are before the Lord – how much more the hearts of humans!

The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.

The path of life is upward for the wise person, to keep him from going downward to Sheol.

The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he maintains the boundaries of the widow.

The one who is greedy for gain troubles his household, but whoever hates bribes will live.

The fear of the Lord provides wise instruction, and before honor comes humility.

The delight of kings is righteous counsel, and they love the one who speaks uprightly.

A wise person’s heart makes his speech wise and it adds persuasiveness to his words.

A laborer’s appetite works on his behalf, for his hunger urges him to work.

The one who winks his eyes devises perverse things, and one who compresses his lips brings about evil.

Excessive speech is not becoming for a fool; how much less are lies for a ruler!

When a wicked person arrives, contempt shows up with him, and with shame comes a reproach.

The mouth of a fool is his ruin, and his lips are a snare for his life.

The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person seeks knowledge.

The first to state his case seems right, until his opponent begins to cross-examine him.

The one who finds a wife finds what is enjoyable, and receives a pleasurable gift from the Lord.

The one who is gracious to the poor lends to the Lord, and the Lord will repay him for his good deed.

The sluggard will not plow during the planting season, so at harvest time he looks for the crop but has nothing.

The one who goes about gossiping reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with someone who is always opening his mouth.

The one who curses his father and his mother, his lamp will be extinguished in the blackest darkness.