1
There is a reproof that is not timely;
2
How good is it to reprove, rather than to be angry.
4
As is the lust of a eunuch to deflower a virgin,
5
There is one who keeps silent and is found wise;
6
There is one who keeps silent, for he has no answer to make;
7
A wise man will be silent until his time has come,
8
He who uses many words will be abhorred.
9
There is a prosperity that a man finds in misfortunes;
10
There is a gift that will not profit you;
11
There are losses because of glory;
12
There is one who buys much for a little,
13
He who is wise in words will make himself beloved;
14
The gift of a fool will not profit you,[b]
15
He will give little and insult much.
16
The fool will say, “I have no friend,
17
How often, and of how many, will he be laughed to scorn![c]
18
A slip on a pavement is better than a slip with the tongue.
19
A man without grace is a tale out of season.
20
A parable from a fool’s mouth will be rejected;
21
There is one who is hindered from sinning through lack.
22
There is one who destroys his soul through bashfulness.
23
There is one who for bashfulness makes promises to his friend;
24
A lie is an ugly blot on a person.
25
A thief is better than a man who is continually lying,
26
The destination of a liar is dishonour.
27
He who is wise in words will advance himself.
28
He who tills his land will raise his harvest high.
29
Favours and gifts blind the eyes of the wise,
30
Wisdom that is hidden, and treasure that is out of sight—
31
Better is a man who hides his folly