2. An honest life shows respect for God;a degenerate life is a slap in his face.
3. Frivolous talk provokes a derisive smile;wise speech evokes nothing but respect.
4. No cattle, no crops;a good harvest requires a strong ox for the plow.
5. A true witness never lies;a false witness makes a business of it.
6. Cynics look high and low for wisdom—and never find it;the open-minded find it right on their doorstep!
7. Escape quickly from the company of fools;they’re a waste of your time, a waste of your words.
8. The wisdom of the wise keeps life on track;the foolishness of fools lands them in the ditch.
9. The stupid ridicule right and wrong,but a moral life is a favored life.
12-13. There’s a way of life that looks harmless enough;look again—it leads straight to hell.Sure, those people appear to be having a good time,but all that laughter will end in heartbreak.
14. A mean person gets paid back in meanness,a gracious person in grace.
15. The gullible believe anything they’re told;the prudent sift and weigh every word.
16. The wise watch their steps and avoid evil;fools are headstrong and reckless.
17. The hotheaded do things they’ll later regret;the coldhearted get the cold shoulder.
18. Foolish dreamers live in a world of illusion;wise realists plant their feet on the ground.
19. Eventually, evil will pay tribute to good;the wicked will respect God-loyal people.
20. An unlucky loser is shunned by all,but everyone loves a winner.
21. It’s criminal to ignore a neighbor in need,but compassion for the poor—what a blessing!
22. Isn’t it obvious that conspirators lose out,while the thoughtful win love and trust?
23. Hard work always pays off;mere talk puts no bread on the table.
24. The wise accumulate wisdom;fools get stupider by the day.