Daily Bread

¹⁸ The simple inherit folly,
    but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

¹⁹ Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good,
    and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.^(A)

²⁰ The poor are shunned even by their neighbors,
    but the rich have many friends.^(B)

²¹ It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor,^(C)
    but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.^(D)

²² Do not those who plot evil go astray?^(E)
    But those who plan what is good find^[a] love and faithfulness.

²³ All hard work brings a profit,
    but mere talk leads only to poverty.

²⁴ The wealth of the wise is their crown,
    but the folly of fools yields folly.^(F)

²⁵ A truthful witness saves lives,
    but a false witness is deceitful.^(G)

²⁶ Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress,^(H)
    and for their children it will be a refuge.^(I)

²⁷ The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,^(J)
    turning a person from the snares of death.^(K)

²⁸ A large population is a king’s glory,
    but without subjects a prince is ruined.^(L)

²⁹ Whoever is patient has great understanding,^(M)
    but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.^(N)

³⁰ A heart at peace gives life to the body,
    but envy rots the bones.^(O)

³¹ Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,^(P)
    but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.^(Q)

³² When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,^(R)
    but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.^(S)

³³ Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning^(T)
    and even among fools she lets herself be known.^[b]

³⁴ Righteousness exalts a nation,^(U)
    but sin condemns any people.

³⁵ A king delights in a wise servant,
    but a shameful servant arouses his fury.^(V)