Proverbs 10:1-22:16

Christian Standard Bible

² Ill-gotten gains do not profit anyone,
but righteousness rescues from death.^(C)

³ The Lord will not let the righteous go hungry,^(D)
but he denies the wicked what they crave.^(E)

⁴ Idle hands make one poor,
but diligent hands bring riches.^(F)

⁵ The son who gathers during summer is prudent;
the son who sleeps during harvest is disgraceful.^(G)

⁶ Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.^(H)

⁷ The remembrance of the righteous is a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.^(I)

⁸ A wise heart accepts commands,^(J)
but foolish lips will be destroyed.

⁹ The one who lives with integrity lives securely,^(K)
but whoever perverts his ways will be found out.^(L)

¹⁰ A sly wink of the eye^(M) causes grief,
and foolish lips will be destroyed.

¹¹ The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,^(N)
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.^(O)

¹² Hatred stirs up conflicts,
but love covers all offenses.^(P)

¹³ Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
but a rod is for the back of the one who lacks sense.^(Q)

¹⁴ The wise store up knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool hastens destruction.^(R)

¹⁵ The wealth of the rich is his fortified city;^(S)
the poverty of the poor is their destruction.

¹⁶ The reward of the righteous is life;
the wages of the wicked is punishment.^(T)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11 Dishonest scales are detestable to the Lord,^(AR)
but an accurate weight is his delight.^(AS)

² When arrogance comes, disgrace follows,
but with humility comes wisdom.^(AT)

³ The integrity of the upright guides them,^(AU)
but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them.^(AV)

⁴ Wealth is not profitable on a day of wrath,
but righteousness rescues from death.^(AW)

⁵ The righteousness of the blameless clears his path,
but the wicked person will fall because of his wickedness.

⁶ The righteousness of the upright rescues them,
but the treacherous are trapped by their own desires.^(AX)

⁷ When the wicked person dies,
his expectation comes to nothing,
and hope placed in wealth^[c][d] vanishes.^(AY)

⁸ The righteous one is rescued from trouble;
in his place, the wicked one goes in.^(AZ)

⁹ With his mouth the ungodly destroys his neighbor,
but through knowledge the righteous are rescued.

¹⁰ When the righteous thrive, a city rejoices;^(BA)
when the wicked die, there is joyful shouting.^(BB)

¹¹ A city is built up by the blessing of the upright,^(BC)
but it is torn down by the mouth of the wicked.^(BD)

¹² Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks sense,
but a person with understanding keeps silent.^(BE)

¹³ A gossip goes around revealing a secret,
but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.^(BF)

¹⁴ Without guidance, a people will fall,
but with many counselors there is deliverance.^(BG)

¹⁵ If someone puts up security for a stranger,
he will suffer for it,^(BH)
but the one who hates such agreements is protected.

¹⁶ A gracious woman gains honor,
but violent^[e] people gain only riches.

¹⁷ A kind man benefits himself,^(BI)
but a cruel person brings ruin on himself.^(BJ)

¹⁸ The wicked person earns an empty wage,
but the one who sows righteousness, a true reward.^(BK)

¹⁹ Genuine righteousness leads to life,^(BL)
but pursuing evil leads to death.^(BM)

²⁰ Those with twisted minds are detestable to the Lord,
but those with blameless conduct are his delight.^(BN)

²¹ Be assured^[f] that a wicked person
will not go unpunished,^(BO)
but the offspring of the righteous will escape.

²² A beautiful woman who rejects good sense
is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.^(BP)

²³ The desire of the righteous turns out well,^(BQ)
but the hope of the wicked leads to wrath.^(BR)

²⁴ One person gives freely,
yet gains more;^(BS)
another withholds what is right,
only to become poor.^(BT)

²⁵ A generous person will be enriched,^(BU)
and the one who gives a drink of water
will receive water.^(BV)

²⁶ People will curse^(BW) anyone who hoards grain,
but a blessing will come to the one who sells it.^(BX)

²⁷ The one who searches for what is good^(BY) seeks favor,
but if someone looks for trouble, it will come to him.^(BZ)

²⁸ Anyone trusting in his riches will fall,^(CA)
but the righteous will flourish like foliage.^(CB)

²⁹ The one who brings ruin on his household^(CC)
will inherit the wind,^(CD)
and a fool will be a slave
to someone whose heart is wise.

³⁰ The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,^(CE)
but a cunning person takes lives.^(CF)

³¹ If the righteous will be repaid on earth,
how much more the wicked and sinful.^(CG)

12 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but one who hates correction is stupid.^(CH)

² One who is good obtains favor from the Lord,^(CI)
but he condemns a person who schemes.^(CJ)

³ No one can be made secure by wickedness,
but the root of the righteous is immovable.^(CK)

⁴ A wife of noble character^[g] is her husband’s crown,^(CL)
but a wife who causes shame
is like rottenness in his bones.^(CM)

⁵ The thoughts of the righteous are just,
but guidance from the wicked is deceitful.

⁶ The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,^(CN)
but the speech of the upright rescues them.^(CO)

⁷ The wicked are overthrown and perish,^(CP)
but the house of the righteous will stand.^(CQ)

⁸ A man is praised for his insight,
but a twisted mind is despised.

⁹ Better to be disregarded, yet have a servant,
than to act important but have no food.^(CR)

¹⁰ The righteous cares about his animal’s health,^(CS)
but even the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel.

¹¹ The one who works his land will have plenty of food,^(CT)
but whoever chases fantasies lacks sense.^(CU)

¹² The wicked desire what evil people have caught,^[h]
but the root of the righteous is productive.

¹³ By rebellious speech an evil person is trapped,^(CV)
but a righteous person escapes from trouble.^(CW)

¹⁴ A person will be satisfied with good
by the fruit of his mouth,^(CX)
and the work of a person’s hands will reward him.^(CY)

¹⁵ A fool’s way is right in his own eyes,^(CZ)
but whoever listens to counsel is wise.

¹⁶ A fool’s displeasure is known at once,
but whoever ignores an insult is sensible.^(DA)

¹⁷ Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right,
but a false witness speaks deceit.^(DB)

¹⁸ There is one who speaks rashly,
like a piercing sword;^(DC)
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.^(DD)

¹⁹ Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue, only a moment.^(DE)

²⁰ Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.^(DF)

²¹ No disaster overcomes the righteous,^(DG)
but the wicked are full of misery.

²² Lying lips are detestable to the Lord,^(DH)
but faithful people are his delight.^(DI)

²³ A shrewd person conceals knowledge,
but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity.^(DJ)

²⁴ The diligent hand will rule,
but laziness will lead to forced labor.^(DK)

²⁵ Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down,
but a good word cheers it up.^(DL)

²⁶ A righteous person is careful in dealing with his neighbor,^[i]
but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.^(DM)

²⁷ A lazy hunter doesn’t roast his game,^(DN)
but to a diligent person, his wealth is precious.^(DO)

²⁸ There is life in the path of righteousness,
and in its path there is no death.^[j](DP)

13 A wise son responds to his father’s discipline,
but a mocker doesn’t listen to rebuke.

² From the fruit of his mouth,
a person will enjoy good things,^(DQ)
but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.^(DR)

³ The one who guards his mouth protects his life;^(DS)
the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.^(DT)

⁴ The slacker craves, yet has nothing,
but the diligent is fully satisfied.^(DU)

⁵ The righteous hate lying,
but the wicked bring disgust and shame.

⁶ Righteousness guards people of integrity,^[k]
but wickedness undermines the sinner.^(DV)

⁷ One person pretends to be rich but has nothing;^(DW)
another pretends to be poor but has abundant wealth.^(DX)

⁸ Riches are a ransom for a person’s life,^(DY)
but a poor person hears no threat.

⁹ The light of the righteous shines brightly,^(DZ)
but the lamp of the wicked is put out.^(EA)

¹⁰ Arrogance leads to nothing but strife,^(EB)
but wisdom is gained by those who take advice.

¹¹ Wealth obtained by fraud will dwindle,^(EC)
but whoever earns it through labor^[l] will multiply it.^(ED)

¹² Hope delayed makes the heart sick,
but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.^(EE)

¹³ The one who has contempt for instruction will pay the penalty,^(EF)
but the one who respects a command will be rewarded.^(EG)

¹⁴ A wise person’s instruction is a fountain of life,^(EH)
turning people away from the snares of death.^(EI)

¹⁵ Good sense wins favor,^(EJ)
but the way of the treacherous never changes.^[m]

¹⁶ Every sensible person acts knowledgeably,
but a fool displays his stupidity.^(EK)

¹⁷ A wicked envoy falls into trouble,
but a trustworthy courier brings healing.^(EL)

¹⁸ Poverty and disgrace come to those
who ignore discipline,
but the one who accepts correction will be honored.^(EM)

¹⁹ Desire fulfilled is sweet to the taste,
but to turn from evil is detestable to fools.^(EN)

²⁰ The one who walks with the wise will become wise,
but a companion of fools will suffer harm.

²¹ Disaster pursues sinners,
but good rewards the righteous.^(EO)

²² A good man leaves an inheritance to his^[n] grandchildren,
but the sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.^(EP)

²³ The uncultivated field of the poor yields abundant food,
but without justice, it is swept away.

²⁴ The one who will not use the rod hates his son,^(EQ)
but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.^(ER)

²⁵ A righteous person eats until he is satisfied,
but the stomach of the wicked is empty.^(ES)

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

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

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

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

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

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.^(EZ)

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

⁹ Fools mock at making reparation,^[q]
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.^(FA)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

¹⁹ The evil bow before those who are good,
and the wicked, at the gates of the righteous.

²⁰ A poor person is hated even by his neighbor,^(FI)
but there are many who love the rich.^(FJ)

²¹ The one who despises his neighbor sins,^(FK)
but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy.^(FL)

²² Don’t those who plan evil go astray?^(FM)
But those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.^(FN)

²³ There is profit in all hard work,
but endless talk^[t] leads only to poverty.^(FO)

²⁴ The crown of the wise is their wealth,
but the foolishness of fools produces foolishness.

²⁵ A truthful witness rescues lives,
but one who utters lies is deceitful.^(FP)

²⁶ In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence
and his children have a refuge.^(FQ)

²⁷ The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
turning people away from the snares of death.^(FR)

²⁸ A large population is a king’s splendor,
but a shortage of people is a ruler’s devastation.

²⁹ A patient person shows great understanding,^(FS)
but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.

³⁰ A tranquil heart is life to the body,^(FT)
but jealousy is rottenness to the bones.^(FU)

³¹ The one who oppresses the poor person insults his Maker,^(FV)
but one who is kind to the needy honors him.^(FW)

³² The wicked one is thrown down by his own sin,^(FX)
but the righteous one has a refuge in his death.^(FY)

³³ Wisdom resides in the heart of the discerning;^(FZ)
she is known^[u] even among fools.

³⁴ Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a disgrace to any people.^(GA)

³⁵ A king favors a prudent servant,^(GB)
but his anger falls on a disgraceful one.

15 A gentle answer turns away anger,^(GC)
but a harsh word stirs up wrath.^(GD)

² The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive,
but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.^(GE)

³ The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
observing the wicked and the good.^(GF)

⁴ The tongue that heals is a tree of life,^(GG)
but a devious tongue^[v] breaks the spirit.

⁵ A fool despises his father’s discipline,
but a person who accepts correction is sensible.^(GH)

⁶ The house of the righteous has great wealth,
but trouble accompanies the income of the wicked.

⁷ The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge,
but not so the heart of fools.

⁸ The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the Lord,^(GI)
but the prayer of the upright is his delight.^(GJ)

⁹ The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
but he loves the one who pursues righteousness.^(GK)

¹⁰ Discipline is harsh for the one who leaves the path;
the one who hates correction will die.

¹¹ Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord^(GL)—
how much more, human hearts.^(GM)

¹² A mocker doesn’t love one who corrects him;^(GN)
he will not consult the wise.

¹³ A joyful heart makes a face cheerful,
but a sad heart produces a broken spirit.^(GO)

¹⁴ A discerning mind seeks knowledge,^(GP)
but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.^(GQ)

¹⁵ All the days of the oppressed are miserable,
but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

¹⁶ Better a little with the fear of the Lord
than great treasure with turmoil.^(GR)

¹⁷ Better a meal of vegetables where there is love
than a fattened ox^(GS) with hatred.^(GT)

¹⁸ A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,^(GU)
but one slow to anger^(GV) calms strife.

¹⁹ A slacker’s way is like a thorny hedge,
but the path of the upright is a highway.^(GW)

²⁰ A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish man despises his mother.^(GX)

²¹ Foolishness brings joy to one without sense,
but a person with understanding walks a straight path.^(GY)

²² Plans fail when there is no counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.^(GZ)

²³ A person takes joy in giving an answer;^[w]
and a timely word—how good that is!^(HA)

²⁴ For the prudent the path of life leads upward,
so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.

²⁵ The Lord tears apart the house of the proud,
but he protects the widow’s territory.^(HB)

²⁶ The Lord detests the plans of the one who is evil,
but pleasant words are pure.^(HC)

²⁷ The one who profits dishonestly^(HD) troubles his household,
but the one who hates bribes will live.^(HE)

²⁸ The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering,^(HF)
but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.^(HG)

²⁹ The Lord is far from the wicked,^(HH)
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.^(HI)

³⁰ Bright eyes cheer the heart;
good news strengthens^[x] the bones.^(HJ)

³¹ One who^[y] listens to life-giving rebukes^(HK)
will be at home among the wise.

³² Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself,^(HL)
but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.^[z](HM)

³³ The fear of the Lord is what wisdom teaches,
and humility comes before honor.^(HN)

16 The reflections of the heart belong to mankind,
but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.^(HO)

² All a person’s ways seem right to him,
but the Lord weighs motives.^[aa](HP)

³ Commit your activities to the Lord,
and your plans will be established.^(HQ)

⁴ The Lord has prepared everything for his purpose—
even the wicked for the day of disaster.^(HR)

⁵ Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to the Lord;^(HS)
be assured,^[ab] he will not go unpunished.^(HT)

⁶ Iniquity is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness,^(HU)
and one turns from evil by the fear of the Lord.^(HV)

⁷ When a person’s ways please the Lord,
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.^(HW)

⁸ Better a little with righteousness
than great income with injustice.^(HX)

⁹ A person’s heart plans his way,
but the Lord determines his steps.^(HY)

¹⁰ God’s verdict is on the lips of a king;^[ac](HZ)
his mouth should not give an unfair judgment.^(IA)

¹¹ Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s;
all the weights in the bag are his concern.^(IB)

¹² Wicked behavior is detestable to kings,^(IC)
since a throne is established through righteousness.^(ID)

¹³ Righteous lips are a king’s delight,
and he loves one who speaks honestly.

¹⁴ A king’s fury is a messenger of death,
but a wise person appeases it.^(IE)

¹⁵ When a king’s face lights up, there is life;
his favor is like a cloud with spring rain.

¹⁶ Get wisdom—
how much better it is than gold!
And get understanding—
it is preferable to silver.^(IF)

¹⁷ The highway of the upright^(IG) avoids evil;
the one who guards his way protects his life.^(IH)

¹⁸ Pride comes before destruction,
and an arrogant spirit before a fall.^(II)

¹⁹ Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble^[ad](IJ)
than to divide plunder with the proud.^(IK)

²⁰ The one who understands a matter finds success,^(IL)
and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.^(IM)

²¹ Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,
and pleasant speech^[ae] increases learning.^(IN)

²² Insight is a fountain of life^(IO) for its possessor,
but the discipline of fools is folly.

²³ The heart of a wise person instructs his mouth;
it adds learning to his speech.^[af](IP)

²⁴ Pleasant words are a honeycomb:^(IQ)
sweet to the taste^[ag] and health to the body.^[ah](IR)

²⁵ There is a way that seems right to a person,
but its end is the way to death.^(IS)

²⁶ A worker’s appetite works for him
because his hunger^[ai] urges him on.

²⁷ A worthless person digs up evil,
and his speech is like a scorching fire.^(IT)

²⁸ A contrary person spreads conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends.^(IU)

²⁹ A violent person lures his neighbor,^(IV)
leading him on a path that is not good.^(IW)

³⁰ The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions;
the one who compresses his lips brings about evil.^(IX)

³¹ Gray hair is a glorious crown;^(IY)
it is found in the ways of righteousness.^(IZ)

³² Patience is better than power,
and controlling one’s emotions,^[aj] than capturing a city.^(JA)

³³ The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the Lord.^(JB)

17 Better a dry crust with peace
than a house full of feasting with strife.^(JC)

² A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son
and share an inheritance among brothers.

³ A crucible for silver, and a smelter for gold,^(JD)
and the Lord is the tester of hearts.^(JE)

⁴ A wicked person listens to malicious talk;^[ak]
a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.

⁵ The one who mocks the poor insults his Maker,^(JF)
and one who rejoices over calamity
will not go unpunished.^(JG)

⁶ Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly,
and the pride of children is their fathers.

⁷ Eloquent words are not appropriate on a fool’s lips;
how much worse are lies for a ruler.

⁸ A bribe^(JH) seems like a magic stone to its owner;
wherever he turns, he succeeds.^(JI)

⁹ Whoever conceals an offense promotes love,^(JJ)
but whoever gossips about it separates friends.^(JK)

¹⁰ A rebuke cuts into a perceptive person
more than a hundred lashes into a fool.

¹¹ An evil person desires only rebellion;
a cruel messenger^[al](JL) will be sent against him.

¹² Better for a person to meet a bear robbed of her cubs^(JM)
than a fool in his foolishness.

¹³ If anyone returns evil for good,^(JN)
evil will never depart from his house.^(JO)

¹⁴ To start a conflict is to release a flood;
stop the dispute before it breaks out.^(JP)

¹⁵ Acquitting the guilty and condemning the just^(JQ)—
both are detestable to the Lord.

¹⁶ Why does a fool have money in his hand
with no intention of buying wisdom?^(JR)

¹⁷ A friend loves at all times,^(JS)
and a brother is born for a difficult time.

¹⁸ One without sense enters an agreement^[am]
and puts up security for his friend.^(JT)

¹⁹ One who loves to offend loves strife;^(JU)
one who builds a high threshold invites injury.

²⁰ One with a twisted mind will not succeed,
and one with deceitful speech will fall into ruin.^(JV)

²¹ A man fathers a fool to his own sorrow;
the father of a fool has no joy.^(JW)

²² A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a broken spirit dries up the bones.^(JX)

²³ A wicked person secretly takes a bribe^(JY)
to subvert the course of justice.^(JZ)

²⁴ Wisdom is the focus of the perceptive,
but a fool’s eyes^(KA) roam to the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son is grief to his father
and bitterness to the one who bore him.^(KB)

²⁶ It is certainly not good to fine an innocent person
or to beat a noble for his honesty.^[an](KC)

²⁷ The one who has knowledge restrains his words,^(KD)
and one who keeps a cool head^[ao]
is a person of understanding.

²⁸ Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent—
discerning, when he seals his lips.^(KE)

18 One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;
he rebels against all sound wisdom.

² A fool does not delight in understanding,
but only wants to show off his opinions.^[ap](KF)

³ When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes,
and along with dishonor, derision.

⁴ The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters,^(KG)
a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.^[aq]

⁵ It is not good to show partiality to the guilty,^(KH)
denying an innocent person justice.^(KI)

⁶ A fool’s lips lead to strife,
and his mouth provokes a beating.^(KJ)

⁷ A fool’s mouth is his devastation,
and his lips are a trap for his life.^(KK)

⁸ A gossip’s words are like choice food
that goes down to one’s innermost being.^[ar](KL)

⁹ The one who is lazy in his work
is brother to a vandal.^[as](KM)

¹⁰ The name of the Lord is a strong tower;^(KN)
the righteous run to it and are protected.^[at](KO)

¹¹ The wealth of the rich is his fortified city;
in his imagination it is like a high wall.^(KP)

¹² Before his downfall a person’s heart is proud,^(KQ)
but humility comes before honor.^(KR)

¹³ The one who gives an answer before he listens—
this is foolishness and disgrace for him.^(KS)

¹⁴ A person’s spirit can endure sickness,
but who can survive a broken spirit?^(KT)

¹⁵ The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks it.^(KU)

¹⁶ A person’s gift opens doors^[au] for him
and brings him before the great.^(KV)

¹⁷ The first to state his case seems right
until another comes and cross-examines him.^(KW)

¹⁸ Casting the lot^(KX) ends quarrels
and separates powerful opponents.

¹⁹ An offended brother is harder to reach^[av]
than a fortified city,
and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.

²⁰ From the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach is satisfied;
he is filled with the product of his lips.^(KY)

²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.^(KZ)

²² A man who finds a wife finds a good thing^(LA)
and obtains favor from the Lord.^(LB)

²³ The poor person pleads,^(LC)
but the rich one answers roughly.^(LD)

²⁴ One with many friends may be harmed,^[aw]
but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.^(LE)

19 Better a poor person who lives with integrity^(LF)
than someone who has deceitful lips and is a fool.

² Even zeal is not good without knowledge,^(LG)
and the one who acts hastily^[ax] sins.^(LH)

³ A person’s own foolishness leads him astray,
yet his heart rages against the Lord.^(LI)

⁴ Wealth attracts many friends,^(LJ)
but a poor person is separated from his friend.

⁵ A false witness will not go unpunished,^(LK)
and one who utters lies will not escape.^(LL)

⁶ Many seek a ruler’s favor,^(LM)
and everyone is a friend of one who gives gifts.^(LN)

⁷ All the brothers of a poor person hate him;^(LO)
how much more do his friends
keep their distance from him!
He may pursue them with words,^(LP)
but they are not there.^[ay]

⁸ The one who acquires good sense^[az] loves himself;
one who safeguards understanding finds success.^(LQ)

⁹ A false witness will not go unpunished,
and one who utters lies perishes.^(LR)

¹⁰ Luxury is not appropriate for a fool^(LS)—
how much less for a slave to rule over princes!^(LT)

¹¹ A person’s insight gives him patience,^(LU)
and his virtue is to overlook an offense.^(LV)

¹² A king’s rage is like the roaring of a lion,^(LW)
but his favor is like dew on the grass.^(LX)

¹³ A foolish son is his father’s ruin,^(LY)
and a wife’s nagging is an endless dripping.^(LZ)

¹⁴ A house and wealth are inherited from fathers,^(MA)
but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

¹⁵ Laziness induces deep sleep,
and a lazy person will go hungry.^(MB)

¹⁶ The one who keeps commands preserves himself;^(MC)
one who disregards^[ba] his ways will die.^(MD)

¹⁷ Kindness to the poor is a loan to the Lord,^(ME)
and he will give a reward to the lender.^[bb](MF)

¹⁸ Discipline your son while there is hope;
don’t set your heart on being the cause of his death.^[bc](MG)

¹⁹ A person with intense anger bears the penalty;
if you rescue him, you’ll have to do it again.^(MH)

²⁰ Listen to counsel and receive instruction
so that you may be wise later in life.^[bd](MI)

²¹ Many plans are in a person’s heart,
but the Lord’s decree will prevail.^(MJ)

²² What is desirable in a person is his fidelity;
better to be a poor person than a liar.^(MK)

²³ The fear of the Lord leads to life;
one will sleep at night^[be] without danger.^(ML)

²⁴ The slacker buries his hand in the bowl;
he doesn’t even bring it back to his mouth!^(MM)

²⁵ Strike a mocker, and the inexperienced learn a lesson;^(MN)
rebuke the discerning, and he gains knowledge.^(MO)

²⁶ The one who plunders his father and evicts his mother
is a disgraceful and shameful son.

²⁷ If you stop listening to correction, my son,
you will stray from the words of knowledge.

²⁸ A worthless witness mocks justice,
and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity.^(MP)

²⁹ Judgments are prepared for mockers,
and beatings for the backs of fools.^(MQ)

20 Wine is a mocker,^(MR) beer is a brawler;
whoever goes astray^[bf] because of them is not wise.

² A king’s terrible wrath is like the roaring of a lion;
anyone who provokes him endangers himself.^(MS)

³ Honor belongs to the person who ends a dispute,^(MT)
but any fool can get himself into a quarrel.^(MU)

⁴ The slacker does not plow during planting season;^[bg]
at harvest time he looks,^[bh] and there is nothing.^(MV)

⁵ Counsel in a person’s heart is deep water;^(MW)
but a person of understanding draws it out.

⁶ Many a person proclaims his own loyalty,
but who can find a trustworthy person?^(MX)

⁷ A righteous person acts with integrity;^(MY)
his children who come after him will be happy.^(MZ)

⁸ A king sitting on a throne to judge
separates out all evil with his eyes.^(NA)

⁹ Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;
I am cleansed from my sin”?^(NB)

¹⁰ Differing weights and varying measures^[bi]—
both are detestable to the Lord.^(NC)

¹¹ Even a young man is known by his actions—
by whether his behavior is pure and upright.^(ND)

¹² The hearing ear and the seeing eye—
the Lord made them both.^(NE)

¹³ Don’t love sleep, or you will become poor;
open your eyes, and you’ll have enough to eat.^(NF)

¹⁴ “It’s worthless, it’s worthless!” the buyer says,
but after he is on his way, he gloats.

¹⁵ There is gold and a multitude of jewels,
but knowledgeable lips are a rare treasure.^(NG)

¹⁶ Take his garment,
for he has put up security for a stranger;
get collateral if it is for foreigners.^(NH)

¹⁷ Food gained by fraud is sweet to a person,^(NI)
but afterward his mouth is full of gravel.^(NJ)

¹⁸ Finalize plans with counsel,^(NK)
and wage war with sound guidance.^(NL)

¹⁹ The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip;^(NM)
avoid someone with a big mouth.^(NN)

²⁰ Whoever curses his father or mother^(NO)—
his lamp will go out in deep darkness.^(NP)

²¹ An inheritance gained prematurely
will not be blessed ultimately.^(NQ)

²² Don’t say, “I will avenge this evil!” ^(NR)
Wait on the Lord,^(NS) and he will rescue you.^(NT)

²³ Differing weights^[bj] are detestable to the Lord,^(NU)
and dishonest scales^(NV) are unfair.

²⁴ Even a courageous person’s steps are determined by the Lord,^(NW)
so how can anyone understand his own way?

²⁵ It is a trap for anyone to dedicate something rashly
and later to reconsider his vows.^(NX)

²⁶ A wise king separates out the wicked^(NY)
and drives the threshing wheel^(NZ) over them.

²⁷ The Lord’s lamp sheds light on a person’s life,^[bk]
searching the innermost parts.^[bl](OA)

²⁸ Loyalty and faithfulness guard a king;
through loyalty he maintains his throne.

²⁹ The glory of young men is their strength,
and the splendor of old men is gray hair.^(OB)

³⁰ Lashes and wounds purge away evil,^(OC)
and beatings cleanse the innermost parts.^[bm]

21 A king’s heart is like channeled water in the Lord’s hand:
He directs it wherever he chooses.^(OD)

² All a person’s ways seem right to him,
but the Lord weighs hearts.^(OE)

³ Doing what is righteous and just
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.^(OF)

⁴ The lamp that guides the wicked—
haughty eyes and an arrogant heart^(OG)—is sin.

⁵ The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit,
but anyone who is reckless certainly becomes poor.^(OH)

⁶ Making a fortune through a lying tongue
is a vanishing mist,^[bn] a pursuit of death.^[bo][bp](OI)

⁷ The violence of the wicked sweeps them away
because they refuse to act justly.

⁸ A guilty one’s conduct is crooked,^(OJ)
but the behavior of the innocent is upright.^(OK)

⁹ Better to live on the corner of a roof
than to share a house with a nagging wife.^(OL)

¹⁰ A wicked person desires evil;
he has no consideration^[bq] for his neighbor.^(OM)

¹¹ When a mocker is punished,
the inexperienced become wiser;
when one teaches a wise man,
he acquires knowledge.^(ON)

¹² The Righteous One^[br] considers the house of the wicked;
he brings the wicked to ruin.

¹³ The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor
will himself also call out and not be answered.^(OO)

¹⁴ A secret gift soothes anger,
and a covert bribe, fierce rage.^(OP)

¹⁵ Justice executed is a joy to the righteous
but a terror to evildoers.^(OQ)

¹⁶ The person who strays from the way of prudence
will come to rest in the assembly of the departed spirits.^(OR)

¹⁷ The one who loves pleasure will become poor;
whoever loves wine and oil will not get rich.^(OS)

¹⁸ The wicked are a ransom for the righteous,
and the treacherous, for^[bs] the upright.^(OT)

¹⁹ Better to live in a wilderness
than with a nagging and hot-tempered wife.^(OU)

²⁰ Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of a wise person,
but a fool consumes them.^[bt](OV)

²¹ The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love
will find life, righteousness, and honor.^(OW)

²² A wise person went up against a city of warriors
and brought down its secure fortress.^(OX)

²³ The one who guards his mouth and tongue
keeps himself out of trouble.^(OY)

²⁴ The arrogant and proud person, named “Mocker,”
acts with excessive arrogance.^(OZ)

²⁵ A slacker’s craving will kill him
because his hands refuse to work.^(PA)
26 He is filled with craving^[bu] all day long,
but the righteous give and don’t hold back.^(PB)

²⁷ The sacrifice of a wicked person is detestable—
how much more so
when he brings it with ulterior motives!^(PC)

²⁸ A lying witness will perish,^(PD)
but the one who listens will speak successfully.

²⁹ A wicked person puts on a bold face,^(PE)
but the upright one considers his way.

³⁰ No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel
will prevail against the Lord.^(PF)

³¹ A horse is prepared for the day of battle,^(PG)
but victory comes from the Lord.^(PH)

22 A good name is to be chosen over great wealth;
favor is better than silver and gold.^(PI)

² Rich and poor have this in common:^[bv]
the Lord makes them all.^(PJ)

³ A sensible person sees danger and takes cover,
but the inexperienced keep going and are punished.^(PK)

⁴ Humility, the fear of the Lord,
results in wealth, honor, and life.^(PL)

⁵ There are thorns and snares on the way of the crooked;^(PM)
the one who guards himself stays far from them.

⁶ Start a youth out on his way;^(PN)
even when he grows old he will not depart from it.

⁷ The rich rule over the poor,^(PO)
and the borrower is a slave to the lender.^(PP)

⁸ The one who sows injustice will reap disaster,^(PQ)
and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

⁹ A generous person^[bw] will be blessed,^(PR)
for he shares his food with the poor.^(PS)

¹⁰ Drive out a mocker,^(PT) and conflict goes too;
then quarreling and dishonor will cease.^(PU)

¹¹ The one who loves a pure heart
and gracious lips—the king is his friend.^(PV)

¹² The Lord’s eyes keep watch over knowledge,
but he overthrows the words of the treacherous.

¹³ The slacker says, “There’s a lion outside!
I’ll be killed in the public square!” ^(PW)

¹⁴ The mouth of the forbidden woman is a deep pit;
a man cursed by the Lord will fall into it.^(PX)

¹⁵ Foolishness is bound to the heart of a youth;
a rod of discipline will separate it from him.^(PY)

¹⁶ Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself,
and giving to the rich—both lead only to poverty.^(PZ)