1 My son, do not envy bad men, nor desire to be with them. 2 For their heart meditates falsehoods, and their lips speak mischiefs. 3 A house is built by wisdom, and is set up by understanding. 4 By discretion the chambers are filled with all precious and excellent wealth. 5 A wise man is better than a strong man; and a man who has prudence than a large estate. 6 War is carried on with generalship, and aid is supplied to the heart of a counselor. 7 Wisdom and good understanding are in the gates of the wise: the wise do not turn aside from the mouth of the Lord, 8 but deliberate in council. Death comes upon uninstructed men. 9 The fool also dies in sins; and uncleanness attaches to a pestilent man, 10 in the evil day, and in the day of affliction, until he is utterly consumed. 11 Deliver those who are led away to death, and redeem those who are appointed to be killed; do not spare your help. 12 But if you should say, I do not know this man; know that the Lord knows the hearts of all; and he that formed breath for all, he knows all things, who renders to every man according to his works. 13 My son, eat honey, for the honeycomb is good, that your throat may be sweetened. 14 Thus you will perceive wisdom in your soul: for if you find it, your end shall be good, and hope shall not fail you. 15 Do not bring an ungodly man into the dwelling of the righteous: neither be deceived by the feeding of the belly. 16 For a righteous man will fall seven times, and rise again: but the ungodly shall be without strength in troubles. 17 If your enemy should fall, do not rejoice over him, neither be elated at his overthrow. 18 For the Lord will see it, and it will not please him, and he will turn away his fierce anger from him. 19 Do not rejoice in evil-doers, neither be envious of sinners. 20 For the evil man shall have no posterity: and the light of the wicked shall be put out. 21 My son, fear God and the king; and do not disobey either of them. 22 For they will suddenly punish the ungodly, and who can know the vengeance inflicted by both?⁠a 22a A son that keeps the word shall escape destruction; and receiving, he has received it. 22b Let no falsehood be spoken by the king from the tongue; yes, let no falsehood proceed from his tongue. 22c The king's tongue is a sword, and not one of flesh; and whoever shall be given up to it shall be destroyed: 22d for if his fierce anger should be provoked, he destroys men with cords, 22e and devours men's bones, and burns them up as a flame, so that they are not even fit to be eaten by the young eagles. 23 And these things I say to you that are wise for you to learn: It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. 24 He that says of the ungodly, He is righteous, shall be cursed by peoples, and hateful among the nations. 25 But they that reprove him shall appear more excellent, and a good blessing shall come upon them; 26 and men will kiss lips that answer well. 27 Prepare your works for your going forth, and prepare yourself for the field; and come after me, and you shall rebuild your house. 28 Do not be a false witness against your fellow citizen, neither exaggerate with your lips. 29 Do not say, As he has treated me, I will treat him in the same way, and I will avenge myself on him for that in which he has injured me. 30 A foolish man is like a farm, and a senseless man is like a vineyard. 31 If you let him alone, he will altogether remain barren and covered with weeds; and he becomes destitute, and his stone walls are broken down. 32 Afterwards I reflected, I looked that I might receive instruction. 33 I slumber a little, and I sleep a little, and for a little while I fold my arms across my breast. 34 But if you do this, your poverty will come speedily; and your lack like a swift courier.