11 Smart people know how to hold their tongue;
    their grandeur is to forgive and forget.

12 Mean-tempered leaders are like mad dogs;
    the good-natured are like fresh morning dew.

13 A parent is worn to a frazzle by an irresponsible child;
    a nagging spouse is a leaky faucet.

14 House and land are handed down from parents,
    but a congenial spouse comes straight from God.

15 Life collapses on loafers;
    lazybones go hungry.

16 Keep the rules and keep your life;
    careless living kills.

17 Mercy to the needy is a loan to God,
    and God pays back those loans in full.

18 Discipline your children while you still have the chance;
    indulging them destroys them.

19 Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger;
    if you try to make it better, you’ll only make it worse.

20 Take good counsel and accept correction—
    that’s the way to live wisely and well.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message, Large Print Premium Leather, Black
The Message, Large Print Premium Leather, Black
Retail: $149.99
Our Price: $105.99
Save: $44.00 (29%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message of Easter - eBook
The Message of Easter - eBook
Retail: $4.99
Our Price: $3.99
Save: $1.00 (20%)
The Message Devotional Bible, Softcover
The Message Devotional Bible, Softcover
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $19.99
Save: $5.00 (20%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Bible--soft leather-look, sky blue
The Message Bible--soft leather-look, sky blue
Retail: $49.99
Our Price: $39.99
Save: $10.00 (20%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars