Proverbs 14:1-18

Christian Standard Bible

14 Every wise woman builds her house,^(A)
but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.^(B)

² Whoever lives with integrity fears the Lord,^(C)
but the one who is devious in his ways despises him.^(D)

³ The proud speech of a fool brings a rod of discipline,^[a]
but the lips of the wise protect them.^(E)

⁴ Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is empty,^[b]
but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of an ox.

⁵ An honest witness does not deceive,
but a dishonest witness utters lies.^(F)

⁶ A mocker seeks wisdom and doesn’t find it,
but knowledge comes easily to the perceptive.

⁷ Stay away from a foolish person;
you will gain no knowledge from his speech.^(G)

⁸ The sensible person’s wisdom is to consider his way,
but the stupidity of fools deceives them.

⁹ Fools mock at making reparation,^[c]
but there is goodwill among the upright.

¹⁰ The heart knows its own bitterness,
and no outsider shares in its joy.

¹¹ The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
but the tent of the upright will flourish.^(H)

¹² There is a way that seems right to a person,^(I)
but its end is the way to death.^(J)

¹³ Even in laughter a heart may be sad,
and joy may end in grief.^(K)

¹⁴ The disloyal one will get what his conduct deserves,
and a good one, what his deeds deserve.^(L)

¹⁵ The inexperienced one believes anything,^(M)
but the sensible one watches^[d] his steps.

¹⁶ A wise person is cautious and turns from evil,^(N)
but a fool is easily angered and is careless.^[e]

¹⁷ A quick-tempered person acts foolishly,
and one who schemes is hated.^(O)

¹⁸ The inexperienced inherit foolishness,
but the sensible are crowned with knowledge.