14. Gifts from senseless peoplewon’t profit you,because they look for a lotrather than a little in return.
15. They will give a little and reproach a lot,and they will open their mouthslike a town crier.Today they will lendand tomorrow ask for it back;such people are hateful.
16. Fools say, "I don’t have a friend,and there’s no gratitudefor my good deeds."Those who eat the bread of such peoplehave mean tongues.
17. How many will ridicule them,and how often?
18. A slip on the pavement is preferableto a slip of the tongue;so the downfall of evil peoplewill come quickly.
19. A disagreeable person, an untimely story—it will always bein the mouth of the uneducated.
20. Proverbs told by fools will be rejected,because they’ll never tell themat their proper time.
21. Some are prevented from sinningbecause of poverty,and their conscience won’t be painedwhen they rest.
22. Some destroy their life through shame,and they destroy itbecause of foolish appearances.
23. Some promise a favor to a friendout of shame,and they create an enemy for no reason.
24. A lie is a bad blemish on a person;ignorant people tell them incessantly.
25. A thief is preferable to someonewho continuously lies,but both will inherit destruction.
26. The character of liars is dishonorable;their shame is continuouslywith them.
27. Wise people distinguish themselvesby their words,and prudent people will pleasethe powerful.