Proverbs 10:11-20
Easy-to-Read Version
11 The words of good people are like a spring of fresh water,[a] but the words of the wicked only hide their violent plans.
12 Hatred causes arguments, but love overlooks all wrongs.
13 Intelligent people speak words of wisdom, but fools must be punished before they learn their lesson.[b]
14 Wise people are quiet and learn new things, but fools talk and bring trouble on themselves.
15 Wealth protects the rich, but poverty destroys the poor.
16 What good people do brings life, but wicked people produce only sin.
17 Those who accept correction show others how to live. Those who reject correction lead others the wrong way.
18 People sometimes lie to hide their hatred, but saying bad things about someone is even more foolish.
19 A person who talks too much gets into trouble. A wise person learns to be quiet.
20 Words from good people are like pure silver, but thoughts from the wicked are worthless.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Proverbs 10:11 spring of fresh water Or “the source of life.”
- Proverbs 10:13 Literally, “Wisdom can be found on the lips of the intelligent, but a rod on the back of fools.” This is a wordplay. In Hebrew, “lip” sounds like “rod.”
Copyright © 2006 by Bible League International
