Study Desk

Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, Yet his foolishness will not depart from him.

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, But a companion of gluttons shames his father.

One who increases his possessions by usury and extortion Gathers it for him who will pity the poor.

One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, He himself will fall into his own pit; But the blameless will inherit good.

The rich man is wise in his own eyes, But the poor who has understanding searches him out.

He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.

Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.

He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough!

Whoever robs his father or his mother, And says, "It is no transgression," The same is companion to a destroyer.

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.

He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.

He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.

A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.

The bloodthirsty hate the blameless,But the upright seek his well-being. [fn]

A fool vents all his feelings, [fn] But a wise man holds them back.