8. You praise people for their intelligence, but no one respects those who are stupid.
9. It is better to appear unimportant and have a servant than to pretend to be important and have no food.
10. Good people take good care of their animals, but the wicked know only how to be cruel.
11. Farmers who work their land have plenty of food, but those who waste their time on worthless projects are foolish.
12. The wicked want a share of what an evil man might catch. But like a plant with deep roots, a good man is the one who produces the most.
13. The wicked are trapped by their foolish words, but good people escape from such trouble.
14. People get good things for the words they say, and they are rewarded for the work they do.
15. Fools always think their own way is best, but wise people listen to what others tell them.
16. Fools are easily upset, but wise people avoid insulting others.
17. Good people speak the truth and can be trusted in court, but liars make bad witnesses.
18. Speak without thinking, and your words can cut like a knife. Be wise, and your words can heal.
19. Lies last only a moment, but the truth lasts forever.
20. People who work for evil make trouble, but those who plan for peace bring happiness.
21. The Lord will keep good people safe, but evil people will have many troubles.
22. The Lord hates people who tell lies, but he is pleased with those who tell the truth.
23. Smart people don’t tell everything they know, but fools tell everything and show they are fools.