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The Idler

22 The idler is like a filthy stone,
    and every one hisses at his disgrace.
The idler is like a lump of dung;
    anyone who picks it up will shake it off his hand.

Degenerate Children

It is a disgrace to be the father of an undisciplined son,
    and the birth of a daughter is a loss.(A)
A sensible daughter obtains a husband of her own,
    but one who acts shamefully is a grief to her father.(B)
An impudent daughter disgraces father and husband
    and is despised by both.(C)
Like music in time of mourning is ill-timed conversation,
    but a thrashing and discipline are at all times wisdom.[a](D)

Wisdom and Folly

Whoever teaches a fool is like one who glues potsherds together
    or who rouses a sleeper from deep slumber.
10 Whoever tells a story to a fool tells it to a drowsy man,
    and at the end he will say, “What is it?”
11 Weep for the dead, for they have left the light behind,
    and weep for the fool, for they have left intelligence behind.
Weep less bitterly for the dead, for they are at rest,
    but the life of the fool is worse than death.(E)
12 Mourning for the dead lasts seven days,
    but for the foolish or the ungodly it lasts all the days of their lives.(F)

13 Do not talk much with senseless people
    or visit unintelligent people.[b]
Stay clear of them, or you may have trouble
    and be spattered when they shake themselves off.
Avoid them and you will find rest,
    and you will never be wearied by their lack of sense.
14 What is heavier than lead?
    And what is its name except “Fool”?
15 Sand, salt, and a piece of iron
    are easier to bear than a stupid person.(G)

16 A 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.(H)
17 A mind settled on an intelligent thought
    is like plaster decoration that makes a wall smooth.
18 Fences[c] 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.(I)

The Preservation of Friendship

19 One who pricks the eye brings tears,
    and one who pricks the heart makes clear its feelings.
20 One who throws a stone at birds scares them away,
    and one who reviles a friend destroys a friendship.(J)
21 Even if you draw your sword against a friend,
    do not despair, for there is a way back.
22 If 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.(K)

23 Gain the trust of your neighbor in his poverty,
    so that you may rejoice[d] with him in his prosperity.
Stand by him in time of distress,
    so that you may share with him in his inheritance.[e](L)
24 The vapor and smoke of the furnace precede the fire;
    so insults precede bloodshed.(M)
25 I am not ashamed to shelter a friend,
    and I will not hide from him,
26 but if harm should come to me because of him,
    whoever hears of it will beware of him.

A Prayer for Help against Sinning

27 Who 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?(N)

Footnotes

  1. 22.6 Other ancient authorities add 22.7–8: Children who are brought up in a good life conceal the lowly birth of their parents. Children who glory in contempt and ignorance stain the nobility of their kindred.
  2. 22.13 Other ancient authorities add For being without sense he will despise everything about you
  3. 22.18 Other ancient authorities read Pebbles
  4. 22.23 Other ancient authorities read you also may be filled
  5. 22.23 Other ancient authorities add For one should not always despise restricted circumstances or admire a rich person who has no resolve.