Study Desk

He who would restrain her restrains the wind,And grasps oil with his right hand.

He who guards the fig tree will eat its fruit,And he who keeps watch for his master will be honored.

Though you pound an ignorant fool in a mortar with a pestle in the midst of crushed grain,His folly will not turn aside from him.

Better is the poor who walks in his integrityThan he who is crooked—double dealing—though he be rich.

He who observes the law is a son who understands,But he who befriends gluttons humiliates his father.

He who increases his wealth by interest and usuryGathers it for him who is gracious to the lowly.

He who turns away his ear from listening to the law,Even his prayer is an abomination.

He who leads the upright astray in an evil wayWill himself fall into his own pit,But the blameless will inherit good.

The rich man is wise in his own eyes,But the lowly who understands searches him.

He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,But he who confesses and forsakes them will receive compassion.

How blessed is the man who is always in dread,But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

A leader who lacks discernment abounds in oppressions,But he who hates greedy gain will prolong his days.

He who cultivates his ground will be satisfied with food,But he who pursues empty things will be satisfied with poverty.

He who robs his father or his motherAnd says, "It is not a transgression,"Is the companion of a man who destroys.

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,But he who walks wisely will escape.

He who gives to the poor will never want,But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.

A man who hardens his neck after much reproofWill suddenly be broken beyond healing.

A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad,But he who befriends harlots destroys his wealth.

A man who flatters his neighborIs spreading a net for his steps.

Men of bloodshed hate the blameless,But the upright seek the well‑being of his soul.