Study Desk

A [closed-minded] fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his personal opinions [unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity].

A fool's lips bring contention and strife, And his mouth invites a beating.

A fool's mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.

He who is careless in his work Is a brother to him who destroys.

The rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall [of protection] in his own imagination and conceit.

The first one to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and cross-examines him.

A man's stomach will be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; He will be satisfied with the consequence of his words.

Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity Than a [rich] man who is twisted in his speech and is a [shortsighted] fool.

Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries with his feet [acting impulsively and proceeding without caution or analyzing the consequences] sins (misses the mark).

The foolishness of man undermines his way [ruining whatever he undertakes]; Then his heart is resentful and rages against the LORD [for, being a fool, he blames the LORD instead of himself].

Wealth makes many friends, But a poor man is separated from his friend.

All the brothers of a poor man hate him; How much more do his friends abandon him! He pursues them with words, but they are gone.

He who gains wisdom and good sense loves (preserves) his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good and prosper.

Good sense and discretion make a man slow to anger, And it is his honor and glory to overlook a transgression or an offense [without seeking revenge and harboring resentment].

The king's wrath terrifies like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is as [refreshing and nourishing as] dew on the grass.

A foolish (ungodly) son is destruction to his father, And the contentions of a [quarrelsome] wife are like a constant dripping [of water].

He who keeps and obeys the commandment [of the LORD] keeps (guards) his own life, But he who is careless of his ways and conduct will die.

He who is gracious and lends a hand to the poor lends to the LORD, And the LORD will repay him for his good deed.

Discipline and teach your son while there is hope, And do not [indulge your anger or resentment by imposing inappropriate punishment nor] desire his destruction.

A man of great anger will bear the penalty [for his quick temper and lack of self-control]; For if you rescue him [and do not let him learn from the consequences of his action], you will only have to rescue him over and over again.