The Idler

1The idler is like a filthy stone,

and everyone hisses at his disgrace.

2The idler is like the filth of dunghills;

anyone that picks it up will shake it off his hand.

Degenerate Children

3It is a disgrace to be the father of an undisciplined son,

and the birth of a daughter is a loss.

4A sensible daughter obtains a husband of her own,

but one who acts shamefully is a grief to her father.

5An impudent daughter disgraces father and husband,

and is despised by both.

6Like music in time of mourning is ill-timed conversation,

but a thrashing and discipline are at all times wisdom.22.6 Other ancient authorities add 7 Children who are brought up in a good life conceal the lowly birth of their parents. 8 Children who are disdainfully and boorishly haughty stain the nobility of their kindred.

Wisdom and Folly

9Whoever teaches a fool is like one who glues potsherds together,

or who rouses a sleeper from deep slumber.

10Whoever tells a story to a fool tells it to a drowsy man;

and at the end he will say, ‘What is it?’

11Weep for the dead, for he has left the light behind;

and weep for the fool, for he has left intelligence behind.

Weep less bitterly for the dead, for he is at rest;

but the life of the fool is worse than death.

12Mourning for the dead lasts seven days,

but for the foolish or the ungodly it lasts all the days of their lives.

13Do not talk much with a senseless person

or visit an unintelligent person.22.13 Other ancient authorities add For being without sense he will despise everything about you

Stay clear of him, or you may have trouble,

and be spattered when he shakes himself.

Avoid him and you will find rest,

and you will never be wearied by his lack of sense.

14What is heavier than lead?

And what is its name except ‘Fool’?

15Sand, salt, and a piece of iron

are easier to bear than a stupid person.

16A wooden beam firmly bonded into a building

is not loosened by an earthquake;

so the mind firmly resolved after due reflection

will not be afraid in a crisis.

17A mind settled on an intelligent thought

is like stucco decoration that makes a wall smooth.

18Fences22.18 Other ancient authorities read Pebbles set on a high place

will not stand firm against the wind;

so a timid mind with a fool's resolve

will not stand firm against any fear.

The Preservation of Friendship

19One who pricks the eye brings tears,

and one who pricks the heart makes clear its feelings.

20One who throws a stone at birds scares them away,

and one who reviles a friend destroys a friendship.

21Even if you draw your sword against a friend,

do not despair, for there is a way back.

22If you open your mouth against your friend,

do not worry, for reconciliation is possible.

But as for reviling, arrogance, disclosure of secrets, or a treacherous blow—

in these cases any friend will take to flight.

23Gain the trust of your neighbour in his poverty,

so that you may rejoice with him in his prosperity.

Stand by him in time of distress,

so that you may share with him in his inheritance.22.23 Other ancient authorities add For one should not always despise restricted circumstances, or admire a rich person who is stupid.

24The vapour and smoke of the furnace precede the fire;

so insults precede bloodshed.

25I am not ashamed to shelter a friend,

and I will not hide from him.

26But if harm should come to me because of him,

whoever hears of it will beware of him.

A Prayer for Help against Sinning

27Who will set a guard over my mouth,

and an effective seal upon my lips,

so that I may not fall because of them,

and my tongue may not destroy me?