1The idler is like a filthy stone,

and every one hisses at his disgrace.

2The idler is like a lump of dung;

anyone who picks it up will shake it off his hand.

3It is a disgrace to be the father of an undisciplined son,

and the birth of a daughter is a loss.*

4A sensible daughter obtains a husband of her own,

but one who acts shamefully is a grief to her father.*

5An impudent daughter disgraces father and husband

and is despised by both.*

6Like music in time of mourning is ill-timed conversation,

but a thrashing and discipline are at all times wisdom.u^,*

9Whoever teaches a fool is like one who glues potsherds together

or who rouses a sleeper from deep slumber.

10Whoever tells a story to a fool tells it to a drowsy man,

and at the end he will say, “What is it?”

11Weep 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.*

12Mourning for the dead lasts seven days,

but for the foolish or the ungodly it lasts all the days of their lives.*

13Do not talk much with senseless people

or visit unintelligent people.v

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.

14What is heavier than lead?

And what is its name except “Fool”?

15Sand, salt, and a piece of iron

are easier to bear than a stupid person.*

16A 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.*

17A mind settled on an intelligent thought

is like plaster decoration that makes a wall smooth.

18Fencesw 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.*

19One who pricks the eye brings tears,

and one who pricks the heart makes clear its feelings.

20One who throws a stone at birds scares them away,

and one who reviles a friend destroys a friendship.*

21Even if you draw your sword against a friend,

do not despair, for there is a way back.

22If 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.*

23Gain the trust of your neighbor in his poverty,

so that you may rejoicex with him in his prosperity.

Stand by him in time of distress,

so that you may share with him in his inheritance.y^,*

24The vapor and smoke of the furnace precede the fire;

so insults precede bloodshed.*

25I am not ashamed to shelter a friend,

and I will not hide from him,

26but if harm should come to me because of him,

whoever hears of it will beware of him.

27Who 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?*