1 It isn't smart to get drunk!

Drinking makes a fool of you

and leads to fights.

2 An angry ruler

is like a roaring lion—

make either one angry,

and you are dead.

3 It makes you look good

when you avoid a fight—

only fools love to quarrel.

4 If you are too lazy to plow,

don't expect a harvest.

5 Someone's thoughts may be

as deep as the ocean,

but if you are smart,

you will discover them.

6 There are many who say,

"You can trust me!"

But can they be trusted?

7 Good people live right,

and God blesses the children

who follow their example.

8 When rulers decide cases,

they weigh the evidence.

9 Can any of us really say,

"My thoughts are pure,

and my sins are gone"?

10 Two things the Lord hates

are dishonest scales

and dishonest measures.

11 The good or bad

that children do

shows what they are like.

12 Hearing and seeing

are gifts from the Lord.

13 If you sleep all the time,

you will starve;

if you get up and work,

you will have enough food.

14 Everyone likes to brag

about getting a bargain.

15 Sensible words are better

than gold or jewels.

16 You deserve to lose your coat

if you loan it to someone

to guarantee payment

for the debt of a stranger.

17 The food you get by cheating

may taste delicious,

but it turns to gravel.

18 Be sure you have sound advice

before making plans

or starting a war.

19 Stay away from gossips—

they tell everything.

20 Children who curse their parents

will go to the land of darkness

long before their time.

21 Getting rich quick*

may turn out to be a curse.

22 Don't try to get even.

Trust the Lord,

and he will help you.

23 The Lord hates dishonest scales

and dishonest weights.

So don't cheat!

24 How can we know

what will happen to us

when the Lord alone decides?

25 Don't fall into the trap

of making promises to God

before you think!

26 A wise ruler severely punishes

every criminal.

27 Our inner thoughts are a lamp

from the Lord,

and they search our hearts.

28 Rulers are protected

by God's mercy and loyalty,

but* they must be merciful

for their kingdoms to last.

29 Young people take pride

in their strength,

but the gray hairs of wisdom

are even more beautiful.

30 A severe beating can knock all

of the evil out of you!