Proverbs 10:17-32

Christian Standard Bible

¹⁷ The one who follows instruction is on the path to life,
but the one who rejects correction goes astray.^(A)

¹⁸ The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,
and whoever spreads slander is a fool.^(B)

¹⁹ When there are many words, sin is unavoidable,
but the one who controls his lips is prudent.^(C)

²⁰ The tongue of the righteous is pure silver;
the heart of the wicked is of little value.^(D)

²¹ The lips of the righteous feed many,
but fools die for lack of sense.^(E)

²² The Lord’s blessing enriches,^(F)
and he adds no painful effort to it.^[a](G)

²³ As shameful conduct is pleasure for a fool,^(H)
so wisdom is for a person of understanding.

²⁴ What the wicked dreads will come to him,^(I)
but what the righteous desire will be given to them.^(J)

²⁵ When the whirlwind passes,
the wicked are no more,^(K)
but the righteous are secure forever.^(L)

²⁶ Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,^(M)
so the slacker is to the one who sends him on an errand.

²⁷ The fear of the Lord prolongs life,^[b](N)
but the years of the wicked are cut short.^(O)

²⁸ The hope of the righteous is joy,^(P)
but the expectation of the wicked will perish.^(Q)

²⁹ The way of the Lord is a stronghold for the honorable,
but destruction awaits evildoers.^(R)

³⁰ The righteous will never be shaken,
but the wicked will not remain on the earth.^(S)

³¹ The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom,^(T)
but a perverse tongue will be cut out.^(U)

³² The lips of the righteous know what is appropriate,^(V)
but the mouth of the wicked, only what is perverse.^(W)