¹Better a dry crust eaten in peacethan a house filled with feasting—and conflict.
²A wise servant will rule over the master’s disgraceful sonand will share the inheritance of the master’s children.
³Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,but the Lord tests the heart.
⁴Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip;liars pay close attention to slander.
⁵Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.
⁶Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged;parents#17:6 Hebrew fathers. are the pride of their children.
⁷Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool;even less are lies fitting for a ruler.
⁸A bribe is like a lucky charm;whoever gives one will prosper!
⁹Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,but dwelling on it separates close friends.