Contrast of the Upright and the Wicked

14 The (A)wise woman builds her house,
But the foolish tears it down with her own hands.
One who (B)walks in his uprightness fears the Lord,
But one who is (C)devious in his ways despises Him.
In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his back,
But (D)the lips of the wise will protect them.
Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean;
But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.
A (E)trustworthy witness will not lie,
But a (F)false witness (G)declares lies.
A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none,
But knowledge is easy for one who has understanding.
Leave the (H)presence of a fool,
Or you will not [a]discern [b]words of knowledge.
The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way,
But (I)the foolishness of fools is deceit.
Fools mock at [c]sin,
But (J)among the upright there is [d]goodwill.
10 The heart knows its own (K)bitterness,
And a stranger does not share its joy.
11 The (L)house of the wicked will be destroyed,
But the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There (M)is a way which seems right to a person,
But its (N)end is the way of death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may be in pain,
And the (O)end of joy may be grief.
14 One with a wayward heart will have his (P)fill of his own ways,
But a good person will (Q)be satisfied [e]with his.
15 The naive believes everything,
But the sensible person considers his steps.
16 A wise person [f]is cautious and (R)turns away from evil,
But a fool is arrogant and careless.
17 A quick-tempered person acts foolishly,
And a person of evil devices is hated.
18 The naive inherit foolishness,
But the sensible are crowned with knowledge.
19 The (S)evil will bow down before the good,
And the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The (T)poor is hated even by his neighbor,
But those who love the rich are many.
21 One who (U)despises his neighbor sins,
But (V)one who is gracious to the [g]poor is blessed.
22 Will they who (W)devise evil not go astray?
But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good.
23 In all labor there is profit,
But [h]mere talk leads only to poverty.
24 The (X)crown of the wise is their riches,
But the foolishness of fools is simply foolishness.
25 A truthful witness saves lives,
But one who (Y)declares lies is [i]deceitful.
26 In [j](Z)the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence,
And [k]his children will have refuge.
27 [l]The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
By which one may avoid the snares of death.
28 In a multitude of people is a king’s glory,
But in the scarcity of people is a prince’s ruin.
29 One who is (AA)slow to anger has great understanding;
But one who is [m]quick-tempered exalts foolishness.
30 A (AB)tranquil heart is life to the body,
But jealousy is (AC)rottenness to the bones.
31 One (AD)who oppresses the poor taunts (AE)his Maker,
But one who is gracious to the needy honors Him.
32 The wicked is (AF)thrust down by his own wrongdoing,
But the (AG)righteous has a refuge when he dies.
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding,
But among fools it is made known.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a disgrace to any people.
35 The king’s favor is toward a (AH)servant who acts wisely,
But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully.

Contrast of the Upright and the Wicked

15 A (AI)gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a [n](AJ)harsh word stirs up anger.
The (AK)tongue of the wise makes knowledge pleasant,
But the (AL)mouth of fools spouts foolishness.
The (AM)eyes of the Lord are in every place,
Watching the evil and the good.
A [o]soothing tongue is a tree of life,
But perversion in it [p]crushes the spirit.
A fool [q]rejects his father’s discipline,
But he who complies with rebuke is sensible.
Great wealth is in the house of the (AN)righteous,
But trouble is in the income of the wicked.
The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
But the hearts of fools are not so.
The (AO)sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
But (AP)the prayer of the upright is His delight.
The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
But He loves the one who (AQ)pursues righteousness.
10 There is severe punishment for one who abandons the way;
One who hates a rebuke will die.
11 [r](AR)Sheol and [s]Abaddon lie open before the Lord,
How much more the (AS)hearts of [t]mankind!
12 A (AT)scoffer does not love one who rebukes him;
He will not go to the wise.
13 A (AU)joyful heart makes a [u]cheerful face,
But [v]when the heart is (AV)sad, the (AW)spirit is broken.
14 The (AX)mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge,
But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
15 All the days of the [w]needy are bad,
But a [x]cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16 (AY)Better is a little with [y]the fear of the Lord
Than great treasure, and turmoil with [z]the treasure.
17 (AZ)Better is a portion of [aa]vegetables where there is love,
Than a (BA)fattened ox served with hatred.
18 A (BB)hot-tempered person stirs up strife,
But the (BC)slow to anger (BD)calms a dispute.
19 The way of the [ab]lazy one is like a hedge of thorns,
But the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A (BE)wise son makes a father glad,
But a foolish man (BF)despises his mother.
21 Foolishness is joy to one who lacks [ac]sense,
But a person of understanding (BG)walks straight.
22 Without consultation, plans are frustrated,
But with many counselors they [ad]succeed.
23 A (BH)person has joy in an [ae]apt answer,
And how delightful is a timely (BI)word!
24 The (BJ)path of life leads upward for the wise,
So that he may keep away from [af]Sheol below.
25 The Lord will (BK)tear down the house of the proud,
But He will (BL)set the boundary of the (BM)widow.
26 Evil plans are an abomination to the Lord,
But pleasant words are pure.
27 He who (BN)profits illicitly troubles his own house,
But he who (BO)hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of the righteous (BP)ponders how to answer,
But the (BQ)mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
29 The Lord is (BR)far from the wicked,
But He (BS)hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 [ag]Bright eyes gladden the heart;
Good news [ah]refreshes the bones.
31 One whose ear listens to a life-giving rebuke
Will stay among the wise.
32 One who (BT)neglects discipline (BU)rejects himself,
But one who (BV)listens to a rebuke acquires [ai]understanding.
33 [aj]The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom,
And before honor comes humility.

Contrast of the Upright and the Wicked

16 The (BW)plans of the heart belong to a person,
But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
All the ways of a person are clean in his own sight,
But the (BX)Lord examines the [ak]motives.
[al](BY)Commit your works to the Lord,
And your plans will be established.
The Lord (BZ)has made everything for [am]its own purpose,
Even the (CA)wicked for the day of evil.
Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord;
[an]Be assured, he will not go unpunished.
By (CB)mercy and truth atonement is made for wrongdoing,
And by [ao]the (CC)fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil.
When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord,
He (CD)causes even his enemies to make peace with him.
Better is a little with righteousness
Than great income with injustice.
The mind of a (CE)person plans his way,
But (CF)the Lord directs his steps.
10 A divine (CG)verdict is on the lips of the king;
His mouth should not [ap]err in judgment.
11 A (CH)just balance and scales belong to the Lord;
All the [aq]weights of the bag are His [ar]concern.
12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts,
Because a (CI)throne is established on righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings,
And one who speaks right is loved.
14 The fury of a king is like messengers of death;
But a wise person will appease it.
15 In the light of a king’s face is life,
And his favor is like a cloud with the [as](CJ)spring rain.
16 How much (CK)better it is to get wisdom than gold!
And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.
17 The (CL)highway of the upright is to turn away from evil;
One who watches his way protects his [at]life.
18 (CM)Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before stumbling.
19 It is better to be (CN)humble in spirit with the needy
Than to (CO)divide the spoils with the proud.
20 One who pays attention to the word will (CP)find good,
And (CQ)blessed is one who trusts in the Lord.
21 The (CR)wise in heart will be called understanding,
And sweetness of [au]speech (CS)increases [av]persuasiveness.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it,
But the discipline of fools is foolishness.
23 The (CT)heart of the wise instructs his mouth
And adds [aw]persuasiveness to his lips.
24 (CU)Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and (CV)healing to the bones.
25 (CW)There is a way which seems right to a person,
But its end is the way of death.
26 A worker’s appetite works for him,
For his [ax]hunger urges him on.
27 A (CX)worthless person digs up evil,
While [ay]his words are like (CY)scorching fire.
28 A perverse person spreads strife,
And a [az]slanderer separates close friends.
29 A person of violence (CZ)entices his neighbor
And leads him in a way that is not good.
30 He who winks his eyes does so to devise perverse things;
He who compresses his lips brings evil to pass.
31 A (DA)gray head is a crown of glory;
It (DB)is found in the way of righteousness.
32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
And one who rules his spirit, than one who captures a city.
33 The (DC)lot is cast into the lap,
But its every (DD)decision is from the Lord.

Contrast of the Upright and the Wicked

17 (DE)Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it
Than a house full of [ba]feasting with strife.
A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully,
And will share in the inheritance among brothers.
The (DF)refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
But (DG)the Lord tests hearts.
An (DH)evildoer listens to wicked lips;
A [bb]liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
One who mocks the (DI)poor taunts his Maker;
One who (DJ)rejoices at disaster will not go unpunished.
(DK)Grandchildren are the crown of the old,
And the (DL)glory of sons is their fathers.
[bc](DM)Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool,
Much less are (DN)lying lips to a prince.
A (DO)bribe is a [bd]charm in the sight of its owner;
Wherever he turns, he prospers.
One who (DP)conceals an offense seeks love,
But one who repeats a matter (DQ)separates close friends.
10 A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding
Than a hundred blows into a fool.
11 A rebellious person seeks only evil,
So a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
12 Let a (DR)person meet a (DS)bear robbed of her cubs,
Rather than a fool in his foolishness.
13 One who (DT)returns evil for good,
(DU)Evil will not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water,
So (DV)abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.
15 One who (DW)justifies the wicked and one who condemns the righteous,
Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.
16 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to (DX)buy wisdom,
When [be]he has no sense?
17 A (DY)friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.
18 A person lacking in [bf]sense (DZ)shakes hands
And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor.
19 One who (EA)loves wrongdoing loves strife;
One who (EB)makes his doorway high seeks destruction.
20 One who has a crooked [bg]mind (EC)finds nothing good,
And one who is [bh](ED)corrupted in his language falls into evil.
21 He who (EE)fathers a fool does so to his sorrow,
And the father of a fool has no joy.
22 A (EF)joyful heart [bi]is good medicine,
But a broken spirit (EG)dries up the bones.
23 A wicked person accepts a (EH)bribe [bj]from an inside pocket
To (EI)pervert the ways of justice.
24 Wisdom is in the presence of one who has understanding,
But the (EJ)eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
25 A (EK)foolish son is a grief to his father,
And (EL)bitterness to her who gave birth to him.
26 It is also not good to (EM)fine the righteous,
Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.
27 One who (EN)withholds his words [bk]has knowledge,
And one who has a (EO)cool spirit is a person of understanding.
28 Even a fool, when he (EP)keeps silent, is considered wise;
When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.

Contrast of the Upright and the Wicked

18 One who separates himself seeks his own desire;
He [bl](EQ)quarrels against all sound wisdom.
A fool does not delight in understanding,
But (ER)in revealing his own [bm]mind.
When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes,
And with dishonor comes taunting.
The words of a person’s mouth are (ES)deep waters;
[bn]The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
To (ET)show partiality to the wicked is not good,
Nor to (EU)suppress the righteous in judgment.
A fool’s lips [bo]bring strife,
And his mouth invites (EV)beatings.
A (EW)fool’s mouth is his ruin,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.
The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels,
And they go down into the [bp]innermost parts of the body.
He also who is (EX)lax in his work
(EY)Is a brother to him who destroys.
10 The (EZ)name of the Lord is a (FA)strong tower;
The righteous runs into it and (FB)is [bq]safe.
11 A (FC)rich person’s wealth is his strong city,
And like a high wall in his own imagination.
12 (FD)Before destruction the heart of a person is haughty,
But (FE)humility goes before honor.
13 One who (FF)gives an answer before he hears,
It is foolishness and shame to him.
14 The (FG)spirit of a person can endure his sickness,
But as for a (FH)broken spirit, who can endure it?
15 The [br](FI)mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,
And the (FJ)ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A person’s (FK)gift makes room for him
And brings him before great people.
17 The first [bs]to plead his case seems right,
Until [bt]another comes and examines him.
18 The cast (FL)lot puts an end to quarrels,
And [bu]decides between the mighty ones.
19 A brother who is offended is harder to be won than a strong city,
And quarrels are like the bars of a citadel.
20 With the [bv](FM)fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied;
(FN)He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.
21 (FO)Death and life are in the [bw]power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its (FP)fruit.
22 He who finds a (FQ)wife finds a good thing
And (FR)obtains favor from the Lord.
23 A (FS)poor person utters pleadings,
But a (FT)rich person (FU)answers defiantly.
24 A person of too many friends comes to [bx]ruin,
But there is (FV)a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

On Life and Conduct

19 (FW)Better is a poor person who (FX)walks in his integrity
Than a person who is perverse in [by]speech and is a fool.
Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge,
And one who hurries [bz](FY)his footsteps [ca]errs.
The (FZ)foolishness of a person ruins his way,
And his heart (GA)rages against the Lord.
(GB)Wealth adds many friends,
But a poor person is separated from his friend.
A (GC)false witness will not go unpunished,
And one who (GD)declares lies will not escape.
(GE)Many will seek the favor of a [cb]generous person,
And every person is a friend to (GF)him who gives gifts.
All the brothers of a poor person hate him;
How much more do his (GG)friends abandon him!
He (GH)pursues them with words, but they are [cc]gone.
One who gets [cd]wisdom loves his own soul;
One who keeps understanding will (GI)find good.
A (GJ)false witness will not go unpunished,
And one who declares lies will perish.
10 Luxury is (GK)not fitting for a fool;
Much less for a (GL)slave to rule over princes.
11 A person’s (GM)discretion makes him slow to anger,
And it is his glory (GN)to overlook an offense.
12 A (GO)king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion,
But his favor is like (GP)dew on the grass.
13 A (GQ)foolish son is destruction to his father,
And the (GR)quarrels of a wife are a constant dripping.
14 House and wealth are an (GS)inheritance from fathers,
But a prudent wife is from the Lord.
15 (GT)Laziness casts one into a deep sleep,
And [ce]a lazy [cf]person will suffer hunger.
16 One who (GU)keeps the commandment keeps his soul,
But one who [cg]is careless of [ch]conduct will die.
17 One who (GV)is gracious to a poor person lends to the Lord,
And He will repay him for his [ci](GW)good deed.
18 (GX)Discipline your son while there is hope,
And do not desire [cj]his death.
19 A person of great anger will suffer the penalty,
For if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again.
20 (GY)Listen to advice and accept discipline,
So that you may be wise [ck]the rest of your days.
21 Many (GZ)plans are in a person’s heart,
But the (HA)advice of the Lord will stand.
22 What is desirable in a person is his [cl]kindness,
And it is better to be a poor person than a liar.
23 [cm]The (HB)fear of the Lord leads to life,
So that one may sleep (HC)satisfied, [cn](HD)untouched by evil.
24 The [co](HE)lazy one buries his hand (HF)in the dish,
But will not even bring it back to his mouth.
25 (HG)Strike a scoffer and the naive may become clever,
But (HH)rebuke one who has understanding, and he will [cp]gain knowledge.
26 He (HI)who assaults his father and drives his mother away
Is a shameful and disgraceful son.
27 Stop listening, my son, to discipline,
And you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 A worthless witness makes a mockery of justice,
And the mouth of the wicked [cq](HJ)swallows wrongdoing.
29 [cr]Judgments are prepared for (HK)scoffers,
And (HL)beatings for the backs of fools.

On Life and Conduct

20 (HM)Wine is a mocker, (HN)intoxicating drink a brawler,
And whoever [cs]is intoxicated by it is not wise.
The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion;
One who provokes him to anger [ct](HO)forfeits his own life.
(HP)Avoiding strife is an honor for a person,
But any fool will [cu]quarrel.
The [cv](HQ)lazy one does not plow after the autumn,
So he [cw]begs during the harvest and has nothing.
A plan in the heart of a person is like deep water,
But a person of understanding draws it out.
Many a person (HR)proclaims his own loyalty,
But who can find a (HS)trustworthy person?
A righteous person who (HT)walks in his integrity—
(HU)How blessed are his sons after him.
(HV)A king who sits on the throne of justice
[cx]Disperses all evil with his eyes.
(HW)Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart,
I am pure from my sin”?
10 [cy](HX)Differing weights and differing measures,
Both of them are abominable to the Lord.
11 It is by his deeds that a boy [cz](HY)distinguishes himself,
If his conduct is pure and right.
12 The hearing (HZ)ear and the seeing eye,
The Lord has made both of them.
13 (IA)Do not love sleep, or you will become poor;
Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with [da]food.
14 “Bad, bad,” says the buyer,
But when he goes his way, then he boasts.
15 There is gold, and an abundance of [db]jewels;
But lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.
16 Take his garment when he becomes guarantor for a stranger;
And for foreigners, seize a pledge from him.
17 (IB)Bread obtained by a lie is sweet to a person,
But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.
18 Prepare (IC)plans by consultation,
And (ID)make war by wise guidance.
19 One who (IE)goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets;
Therefore do not associate with [dc](IF)a gossip.
20 He who (IG)curses his father or his mother,
His (IH)lamp will go out in time of darkness.
21 An inheritance gained in a hurry at the beginning
Will not be blessed in the end.
22 (II)Do not say, “I will repay evil”;
(IJ)Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.
23 [dd](IK)Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord,
And a [de](IL)false scale is not good.
24 (IM)A man’s steps are ordained by the Lord;
How then can a person understand his way?
25 It is a trap for a person to say carelessly, “It is holy!”
And (IN)after the vows to make inquiry.
26 A (IO)wise king scatters the wicked,
And [df]drives a (IP)threshing wheel over them.
27 The [dg](IQ)spirit of a person is the lamp of the Lord,
Searching all the [dh]innermost parts of his being.
28 [di]Loyalty and (IR)truth watch over the king,
And he upholds his throne by [dj]loyalty.
29 The glory of young men is their strength,
And the [dk](IS)honor of old men is their gray hair.
30 (IT)Bruising wounds clean away evil,
And blows cleanse the [dl]innermost parts.

On Life and Conduct

21 The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord;
He (IU)turns it wherever He pleases.
(IV)Every person’s way is right in his own eyes,
But the Lord (IW)examines the hearts.
To do (IX)righteousness and justice
Is preferred by the Lord more than sacrifice.
Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
The (IY)lamp of the wicked, is sin.
The plans of the (IZ)diligent certainly lead to advantage,
But everyone (JA)who is in a hurry certainly comes to poverty.
The (JB)acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue
Is a fleeting vapor, the [dm]pursuit of (JC)death.
The violence of the wicked will sweep them away,
Because they (JD)refuse to act with justice.
The way of a guilty person is (JE)crooked,
But as for the pure, his conduct is upright.
It is better to live on a corner of a roof
Than [dn]in a house shared with a contentious woman.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil;
His (JF)neighbor is shown no compassion in his eyes.
11 When the (JG)scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise;
But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
12 The [do]righteous one considers the house of the wicked,
Bringing the (JH)wicked to ruin.
13 One who (JI)shuts his ear to the outcry of the poor
Will also call out himself, and not be (JJ)answered.
14 A (JK)gift in secret subdues anger,
And a bribe [dp]in an inside pocket, strong wrath.
15 The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous,
But (JL)terror to those who practice injustice.
16 A person who wanders from the way of understanding
Will (JM)rest in the assembly of the [dq]dead.
17 One who (JN)loves pleasure will become a poor person;
One who loves wine and oil will not become rich.
18 The wicked is a (JO)ransom for the righteous,
And the (JP)treacherous is in the place of the upright.
19 (JQ)It is better to live in a desert land
Than with a contentious and irritating woman.
20 There is precious (JR)treasure and oil in the home of the wise,
But a foolish person (JS)swallows it up.
21 One who (JT)pursues righteousness and loyalty
Finds life, righteousness, and honor.
22 A (JU)wise person scales the city of the mighty
And brings down the [dr]stronghold in which they trust.
23 One who (JV)guards his mouth and his tongue,
Guards his soul from troubles.
24 “Proud,” “Arrogant,” “(JW)Scoffer,” are his names,
One who acts with (JX)insolent pride.
25 The (JY)desire of the [ds]lazy one puts him to death,
For his hands refuse to work;
26 All day long he [dt]is craving,
While the righteous (JZ)gives and does not hold back.
27 The (KA)sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination,
How much more when he brings it with evil intent!
28 A (KB)false witness will perish,
But a person who listens will speak forever.
29 A wicked person [du](KC)displays a bold face,
But as for the (KD)upright, he makes his way sure.
30 There is (KE)no wisdom, no understanding,
And no [dv]plan against the Lord.
31 The (KF)horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But the (KG)victory belongs to the Lord.

On Life and Conduct

22 A (KH)good name is to be more desired than great wealth;
Favor is better than silver and gold.
The rich and the poor [dw]have a common bond,
The Lord is the (KI)Maker of them all.
A (KJ)prudent person sees evil and hides himself,
But the naive proceed, and pay the penalty.
The reward of humility and [dx]the fear of the Lord
Are riches, honor, and life.
(KK)Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse;
One who guards himself will be far from them.
(KL)Train up a child [dy]in the way he should go,
Even when he grows older he will not abandon it.
The (KM)rich rules over the poor,
And the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.
One who (KN)sows injustice will reap disaster,
And the (KO)rod of his fury will perish.
One who [dz]is (KP)generous will be blessed,
Because he (KQ)gives some of his food to the poor.
10 (KR)Drive out the scoffer, and strife will leave,
Even quarreling and dishonor will cease.
11 One who loves (KS)purity of heart
And [ea]whose speech is (KT)gracious, the king is his friend.
12 The eyes of the Lord protect knowledge,
But He overthrows the words of the treacherous person.
13 The [eb](KU)lazy one says, “There is a lion outside;
I will be killed in the streets!”
14 The mouth of [ec](KV)an adulteress is a deep pit;
He who is (KW)cursed of the Lord will fall [ed]into it.
15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;
The (KX)rod of discipline will remove it far from him.
16 One (KY)who oppresses the poor to make [ee]more for himself,
Or gives to the rich, (KZ)will only come to poverty.

17 (LA)Extend your ear and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your mind to my knowledge;
18 For it will be (LB)pleasant if you keep them within you,
[ef]So that they may be ready on your lips.
19 So that your (LC)trust may be in the Lord,
I have [eg]taught you today, you indeed.
20 Have I not written to you [eh](LD)excellent things
Of counsels and knowledge,
21 To make you (LE)know the [ei]certainty of the words of truth,
So that you may [ej](LF)correctly answer him who sent you?

22 (LG)Do not rob the poor because he is poor,
Nor (LH)crush the needy at the gate;
23 For the Lord will (LI)plead their case
And [ek]take the life of those who rob them.

24 Do not make friends with a person given to anger,
Or go with a (LJ)hot-tempered person,
25 Or you will (LK)learn his ways
And [el]find a snare for yourself.

26 Do not be among those who (LL)shake hands,
Among those who become guarantors for debts.
27 If you have nothing with which to repay,
Why should he (LM)take your bed from under you?

28 (LN)Do not move the ancient boundary
Which your fathers have set.

29 Do you see a person skilled in his work?
He will (LO)stand before kings;
He will not stand before obscure people.

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:7 Lit know
  2. Proverbs 14:7 Lit lips
  3. Proverbs 14:9 Lit guilt
  4. Proverbs 14:9 Or the favor of God
  5. Proverbs 14:14 Lit from himself
  6. Proverbs 14:16 Lit fears
  7. Proverbs 14:21 Or afflicted
  8. Proverbs 14:23 Lit word of lips
  9. Proverbs 14:25 Lit a fraud
  10. Proverbs 14:26 Or reverence for
  11. Proverbs 14:26 Or His
  12. Proverbs 14:27 Or Reverence for
  13. Proverbs 14:29 Lit short of spirit
  14. Proverbs 15:1 Lit painful
  15. Proverbs 15:4 Lit healing
  16. Proverbs 15:4 Lit is the crushing of the spirit
  17. Proverbs 15:5 Or despises
  18. Proverbs 15:11 I.e., The netherworld
  19. Proverbs 15:11 I.e., place of destruction
  20. Proverbs 15:11 Lit sons of mankind
  21. Proverbs 15:13 Lit good
  22. Proverbs 15:13 Lit in sadness of heart
  23. Proverbs 15:15 Or wretched
  24. Proverbs 15:15 Lit good
  25. Proverbs 15:16 Or reverence for
  26. Proverbs 15:16 Lit it
  27. Proverbs 15:17 Or herbs
  28. Proverbs 15:19 Lit idle
  29. Proverbs 15:21 Lit heart
  30. Proverbs 15:22 Or are established
  31. Proverbs 15:23 Lit answer of his mouth
  32. Proverbs 15:24 I.e., the netherworld
  33. Proverbs 15:30 Lit The light of the eyes gladdens
  34. Proverbs 15:30 Lit makes fat
  35. Proverbs 15:32 Lit heart
  36. Proverbs 15:33 Or Reverence for
  37. Proverbs 16:2 Lit spirits
  38. Proverbs 16:3 Lit Roll
  39. Proverbs 16:4 Or His
  40. Proverbs 16:5 Lit Hand to hand, he
  41. Proverbs 16:6 Or reverence for
  42. Proverbs 16:10 Lit be unfaithful
  43. Proverbs 16:11 Lit stones
  44. Proverbs 16:11 Lit work
  45. Proverbs 16:15 Lit latter
  46. Proverbs 16:17 Lit soul
  47. Proverbs 16:21 Lit lips
  48. Proverbs 16:21 Or learning
  49. Proverbs 16:23 Or learning
  50. Proverbs 16:26 Lit mouth
  51. Proverbs 16:27 Lit on his lips
  52. Proverbs 16:28 Or gossip
  53. Proverbs 17:1 Lit sacrifices of strife
  54. Proverbs 17:4 Lit falsehood
  55. Proverbs 17:7 Lit A lip of abundance
  56. Proverbs 17:8 Lit stone of favor
  57. Proverbs 17:16 Lit there is no heart
  58. Proverbs 17:18 Lit heart
  59. Proverbs 17:20 Lit heart
  60. Proverbs 17:20 Lit altered in his tongue
  61. Proverbs 17:22 Lit causes good healing
  62. Proverbs 17:23 Lit a fold in a robe; i.e., secretly
  63. Proverbs 17:27 Lit knows
  64. Proverbs 18:1 Lit breaks out
  65. Proverbs 18:2 Lit heart
  66. Proverbs 18:4 Or A bubbling brook, a fountain of wisdom
  67. Proverbs 18:6 Lit come with
  68. Proverbs 18:8 Lit chambers of the belly
  69. Proverbs 18:10 Lit set on high
  70. Proverbs 18:15 Lit heart
  71. Proverbs 18:17 Lit in his plea
  72. Proverbs 18:17 Lit his neighbor
  73. Proverbs 18:18 Lit makes a division
  74. Proverbs 18:20 I.e., speech
  75. Proverbs 18:21 Lit hand
  76. Proverbs 18:24 Lit be broken in pieces
  77. Proverbs 19:1 Lit his lips
  78. Proverbs 19:2 Lit with his feet
  79. Proverbs 19:2 Lit sins
  80. Proverbs 19:6 Or noble
  81. Proverbs 19:7 Lit not
  82. Proverbs 19:8 Lit heart
  83. Proverbs 19:15 Lit an idle
  84. Proverbs 19:15 Lit soul
  85. Proverbs 19:16 Lit despises
  86. Proverbs 19:16 Lit ways
  87. Proverbs 19:17 Or benefits
  88. Proverbs 19:18 Lit causing him to die
  89. Proverbs 19:20 Lit in your latter end
  90. Proverbs 19:22 Or loyalty
  91. Proverbs 19:23 Or Reverence for
  92. Proverbs 19:23 Lit not visited
  93. Proverbs 19:24 Lit idle person
  94. Proverbs 19:25 Lit discern
  95. Proverbs 19:28 Another reading is pours out
  96. Proverbs 19:29 LXX Rods
  97. Proverbs 20:1 Lit errs
  98. Proverbs 20:2 Lit sins against
  99. Proverbs 20:3 Lit burst out
  100. Proverbs 20:4 Lit idle
  101. Proverbs 20:4 Lit asks
  102. Proverbs 20:8 Or Sifts
  103. Proverbs 20:10 Lit A stone and a stone, an ephah and an ephah
  104. Proverbs 20:11 Or makes himself known
  105. Proverbs 20:13 Lit bread
  106. Proverbs 20:15 Or corals
  107. Proverbs 20:19 Lit one who opens his lips
  108. Proverbs 20:23 Lit A stone and a stone
  109. Proverbs 20:23 Lit balance of deceit
  110. Proverbs 20:26 Lit turns
  111. Proverbs 20:27 Lit breath
  112. Proverbs 20:27 Lit chambers of the body
  113. Proverbs 20:28 I.e., covenant loyalty
  114. Proverbs 20:28 I.e., covenant loyalty
  115. Proverbs 20:29 Or splendor
  116. Proverbs 20:30 Lit chambers of the body
  117. Proverbs 21:6 Lit seekers
  118. Proverbs 21:9 Lit with a woman of contentions and a house of association
  119. Proverbs 21:12 Or Righteous One
  120. Proverbs 21:14 Lit a fold in a robe; i.e., secretly
  121. Proverbs 21:16 Lit departed spirits
  122. Proverbs 21:22 Lit strength of trust
  123. Proverbs 21:25 Lit idle
  124. Proverbs 21:26 Lit desires desire
  125. Proverbs 21:29 Lit makes firm with his face
  126. Proverbs 21:30 Or advice
  127. Proverbs 22:2 Lit meet together
  128. Proverbs 22:4 Or reverence for
  129. Proverbs 22:6 Lit according to his way
  130. Proverbs 22:9 Lit has a good eye
  131. Proverbs 22:11 Lit has grace on his lips
  132. Proverbs 22:13 Lit idle
  133. Proverbs 22:14 Lit strange woman
  134. Proverbs 22:14 Lit there
  135. Proverbs 22:16 Lit much
  136. Proverbs 22:18 Lit They together
  137. Proverbs 22:19 Lit made you know
  138. Proverbs 22:20 Or previous
  139. Proverbs 22:21 Lit truth
  140. Proverbs 22:21 Lit return words of truth
  141. Proverbs 22:23 Lit rob the soul
  142. Proverbs 22:25 Lit take

14 The wise woman builds her house,(A)
    but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly,
    but those who despise him are devious in their ways.

A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride,(B)
    but the lips of the wise protect them.(C)

Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,
    but from the strength of an ox(D) come abundant harvests.

An honest witness does not deceive,
    but a false witness pours out lies.(E)

The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
    but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.(F)

Stay away from a fool,
    for you will not find knowledge on their lips.

The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,(G)
    but the folly of fools is deception.(H)

Fools mock at making amends for sin,
    but goodwill is found among the upright.

10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,
    and no one else can share its joy.

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

12 There is a way that appears to be right,(K)
    but in the end it leads to death.(L)

13 Even in laughter(M) the heart may ache,
    and rejoicing may end in grief.

14 The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways,(N)
    and the good rewarded for theirs.(O)

15 The simple believe anything,
    but the prudent give thought to their steps.(P)

16 The wise fear the Lord and shun evil,(Q)
    but a fool(R) is hotheaded and yet feels secure.

17 A quick-tempered person(S) does foolish things,(T)
    and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.(U)

18 The simple inherit folly,
    but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 Evildoers will bow down in the presence of the good,
    and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.(V)

20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors,
    but the rich have many friends.(W)

21 It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor,(X)
    but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.(Y)

22 Do not those who plot evil go astray?(Z)
    But those who plan what is good find[a] love and faithfulness.

23 All hard work brings a profit,
    but mere talk leads only to poverty.

24 The wealth of the wise is their crown,
    but the folly of fools yields folly.(AA)

25 A truthful witness saves lives,
    but a false witness is deceitful.(AB)

26 Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress,(AC)
    and for their children it will be a refuge.(AD)

27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,(AE)
    turning a person from the snares of death.(AF)

28 A large population is a king’s glory,
    but without subjects a prince is ruined.(AG)

29 Whoever is patient has great understanding,(AH)
    but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.(AI)

30 A heart at peace gives life to the body,
    but envy rots the bones.(AJ)

31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,(AK)
    but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.(AL)

32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,(AM)
    but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.(AN)

33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning(AO)
    and even among fools she lets herself be known.[b]

34 Righteousness exalts a nation,(AP)
    but sin condemns any people.

35 A king delights in a wise servant,
    but a shameful servant arouses his fury.(AQ)

15 A gentle answer(AR) turns away wrath,(AS)
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,(AT)
    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.(AU)

The eyes(AV) of the Lord are everywhere,(AW)
    keeping watch on the wicked and the good.(AX)

The soothing tongue(AY) is a tree of life,(AZ)
    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.(BA)

A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,
    but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.(BB)

The house of the righteous contains great treasure,(BC)
    but the income of the wicked brings ruin.(BD)

The lips of the wise spread knowledge,(BE)
    but the hearts of fools are not upright.

The Lord detests the sacrifice(BF) of the wicked,(BG)
    but the prayer of the upright pleases him.(BH)

The Lord detests the way of the wicked,(BI)
    but he loves those who pursue righteousness.(BJ)

10 Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;
    the one who hates correction will die.(BK)

11 Death and Destruction[c] lie open before the Lord(BL)
    how much more do human hearts!(BM)

12 Mockers resent correction,(BN)
    so they avoid the wise.

13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful,(BO)
    but heartache crushes the spirit.(BP)

14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,(BQ)
    but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
    but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.(BR)

16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord
    than great wealth with turmoil.(BS)

17 Better a small serving of vegetables with love
    than a fattened calf with hatred.(BT)

18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,(BU)
    but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.(BV)

19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,(BW)
    but the path of the upright is a highway.

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

21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,(BY)
    but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

22 Plans fail for lack of counsel,(BZ)
    but with many advisers(CA) they succeed.(CB)

23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply(CC)
    and how good is a timely word!(CD)

24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent
    to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud,(CE)
    but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.(CF)

26 The Lord detests the thoughts(CG) of the wicked,(CH)
    but gracious words are pure(CI) in his sight.

27 The greedy bring ruin to their households,
    but the one who hates bribes will live.(CJ)

28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,(CK)
    but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.(CL)

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

30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
    and good news gives health to the bones.(CN)

31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction
    will be at home among the wise.(CO)

32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,(CP)
    but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.(CQ)

33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,(CR)
    and humility comes before honor.(CS)

16 To humans belong the plans of the heart,
    but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.(CT)

All a person’s ways seem pure to them,(CU)
    but motives are weighed(CV) by the Lord.(CW)

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.(CX)

The Lord works out everything to its proper end(CY)
    even the wicked for a day of disaster.(CZ)

The Lord detests all the proud of heart.(DA)
    Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.(DB)

Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
    through the fear of the Lord(DC) evil is avoided.(DD)

When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way,
    he causes their enemies to make peace(DE) with them.(DF)

Better a little with righteousness
    than much gain(DG) with injustice.(DH)

In their hearts humans plan their course,
    but the Lord establishes their steps.(DI)

10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
    and his mouth does not betray justice.(DJ)

11 Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord;
    all the weights in the bag are of his making.(DK)

12 Kings detest wrongdoing,
    for a throne is established through righteousness.(DL)

13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
    they value the one who speaks what is right.(DM)

14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,(DN)
    but the wise will appease it.(DO)

15 When a king’s face brightens, it means life;(DP)
    his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.(DQ)

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
    to get insight(DR) rather than silver!(DS)

17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;
    those who guard their ways preserve their lives.(DT)

18 Pride(DU) goes before destruction,
    a haughty spirit(DV) before a fall.(DW)

19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed
    than to share plunder with the proud.

20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,[d](DX)
    and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.(DY)

21 The wise in heart are called discerning,
    and gracious words promote instruction.[e](DZ)

22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,(EA)
    but folly brings punishment to fools.

23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,(EB)
    and their lips promote instruction.[f](EC)

24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,(ED)
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.(EE)

25 There is a way that appears to be right,(EF)
    but in the end it leads to death.(EG)

26 The appetite of laborers works for them;
    their hunger drives them on.

27 A scoundrel(EH) plots evil,
    and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.(EI)

28 A perverse person stirs up conflict,(EJ)
    and a gossip separates close friends.(EK)

29 A violent person entices their neighbor
    and leads them down a path that is not good.(EL)

30 Whoever winks(EM) with their eye is plotting perversity;
    whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.

31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor;(EN)
    it is attained in the way of righteousness.

32 Better a patient person than a warrior,
    one with self-control than one who takes a city.

33 The lot is cast(EO) into the lap,
    but its every decision(EP) is from the Lord.(EQ)

17 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet
    than a house full of feasting, with strife.(ER)

A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son
    and will share the inheritance as one of the family.

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,(ES)
    but the Lord tests the heart.(ET)

A wicked person listens to deceitful lips;
    a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.

Whoever mocks the poor(EU) shows contempt for their Maker;(EV)
    whoever gloats over disaster(EW) will not go unpunished.(EX)

Children’s children(EY) are a crown to the aged,
    and parents are the pride of their children.

Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool—
    how much worse lying lips to a ruler!(EZ)

A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it;
    they think success will come at every turn.(FA)

Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,(FB)
    but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.(FC)

10 A rebuke impresses a discerning person
    more than a hundred lashes a fool.

11 Evildoers foster rebellion against God;
    the messenger of death will be sent against them.

12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs
    than a fool bent on folly.(FD)

13 Evil will never leave the house
    of one who pays back evil(FE) for good.(FF)

14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
    so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.(FG)

15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent(FH)
    the Lord detests them both.(FI)

16 Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom,
    when they are not able to understand it?(FJ)

17 A friend loves at all times,
    and a brother is born for a time of adversity.(FK)

18 One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge
    and puts up security for a neighbor.(FL)

19 Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin;
    whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.

20 One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper;
    one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.

21 To have a fool for a child brings grief;
    there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.(FM)

22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed(FN) spirit dries up the bones.(FO)

23 The wicked accept bribes(FP) in secret
    to pervert the course of justice.(FQ)

24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
    but a fool’s eyes(FR) wander to the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son brings grief to his father
    and bitterness to the mother who bore him.(FS)

26 If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good,(FT)
    surely to flog honest officials is not right.

27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,(FU)
    and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.(FV)

28 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
    and discerning if they hold their tongues.(FW)

18 An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends
    and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.

Fools find no pleasure in understanding
    but delight in airing their own opinions.(FX)

When wickedness comes, so does contempt,
    and with shame comes reproach.

The words of the mouth are deep waters,(FY)
    but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

It is not good to be partial to the wicked(FZ)
    and so deprive the innocent of justice.(GA)

The lips of fools bring them strife,
    and their mouths invite a beating.(GB)

The mouths of fools are their undoing,
    and their lips are a snare(GC) to their very lives.(GD)

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
    they go down to the inmost parts.(GE)

One who is slack in his work
    is brother to one who destroys.(GF)

10 The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;(GG)
    the righteous run to it and are safe.(GH)

11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;(GI)
    they imagine it a wall too high to scale.

12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty,
    but humility comes before honor.(GJ)

13 To answer before listening—
    that is folly and shame.(GK)

14 The human spirit can endure in sickness,
    but a crushed spirit who can bear?(GL)

15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,(GM)
    for the ears of the wise seek it out.

16 A gift(GN) opens the way
    and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

17 In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right,
    until someone comes forward and cross-examines.

18 Casting the lot settles disputes(GO)
    and keeps strong opponents apart.

19 A brother wronged(GP) is more unyielding than a fortified city;
    disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled;
    with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.(GQ)

21 The tongue has the power of life and death,(GR)
    and those who love it will eat its fruit.(GS)

22 He who finds a wife finds what is good(GT)
    and receives favor from the Lord.(GU)

23 The poor plead for mercy,
    but the rich answer harshly.

24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.(GV)

19 Better the poor whose walk is blameless
    than a fool whose lips are perverse.(GW)

Desire without knowledge is not good—
    how much more will hasty feet miss the way!(GX)

A person’s own folly(GY) leads to their ruin,
    yet their heart rages against the Lord.(GZ)

Wealth attracts many friends,
    but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.(HA)

A false witness(HB) will not go unpunished,(HC)
    and whoever pours out lies will not go free.(HD)

Many curry favor with a ruler,(HE)
    and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.(HF)

The poor are shunned by all their relatives—
    how much more do their friends avoid them!(HG)
Though the poor pursue them with pleading,
    they are nowhere to be found.[g](HH)

The one who gets wisdom loves life;
    the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.(HI)

A false witness will not go unpunished,
    and whoever pours out lies will perish.(HJ)

10 It is not fitting for a fool(HK) to live in luxury—
    how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!(HL)

11 A person’s wisdom yields patience;(HM)
    it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

12 A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion,(HN)
    but his favor is like dew(HO) on the grass.(HP)

13 A foolish child is a father’s ruin,(HQ)
    and a quarrelsome wife is like
    the constant dripping of a leaky roof.(HR)

14 Houses and wealth are inherited from parents,(HS)
    but a prudent wife is from the Lord.(HT)

15 Laziness brings on deep sleep,
    and the shiftless go hungry.(HU)

16 Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life,
    but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die.(HV)

17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,(HW)
    and he will reward them for what they have done.(HX)

18 Discipline your children, for in that there is hope;
    do not be a willing party to their death.(HY)

19 A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty;
    rescue them, and you will have to do it again.

20 Listen to advice and accept discipline,(HZ)
    and at the end you will be counted among the wise.(IA)

21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
    but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.(IB)

22 What a person desires is unfailing love[h];
    better to be poor than a liar.

23 The fear of the Lord leads to life;
    then one rests content, untouched by trouble.(IC)

24 A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
    he will not even bring it back to his mouth!(ID)

25 Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence;
    rebuke the discerning,(IE) and they will gain knowledge.(IF)

26 Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother(IG)
    is a child who brings shame and disgrace.

27 Stop listening to instruction, my son,(IH)
    and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28 A corrupt witness mocks at justice,
    and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.(II)

29 Penalties are prepared for mockers,
    and beatings for the backs of fools.(IJ)

20 Wine(IK) is a mocker(IL) and beer a brawler;
    whoever is led astray(IM) by them is not wise.(IN)

A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion;(IO)
    those who anger him forfeit their lives.(IP)

It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,
    but every fool(IQ) is quick to quarrel.(IR)

Sluggards(IS) do not plow in season;
    so at harvest time they look but find nothing.(IT)

The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,(IU)
    but one who has insight draws them out.

Many claim to have unfailing love,
    but a faithful person who can find?(IV)

The righteous lead blameless lives;(IW)
    blessed are their children after them.(IX)

When a king sits on his throne to judge,(IY)
    he winnows out all evil with his eyes.(IZ)

Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;(JA)
    I am clean and without sin”?(JB)

10 Differing weights and differing measures—
    the Lord detests them both.(JC)

11 Even small children are known by their actions,
    so is their conduct really pure(JD) and upright?

12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—
    the Lord has made them both.(JE)

13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;(JF)
    stay awake and you will have food to spare.

14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer—
    then goes off and boasts about the purchase.

15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,
    but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;
    hold it in pledge(JG) if it is done for an outsider.(JH)

17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,(JI)
    but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.(JJ)

18 Plans are established by seeking advice;
    so if you wage war, obtain guidance.(JK)

19 A gossip betrays a confidence;(JL)
    so avoid anyone who talks too much.

20 If someone curses their father or mother,(JM)
    their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.(JN)

21 An inheritance claimed too soon
    will not be blessed at the end.

22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”(JO)
    Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.(JP)

23 The Lord detests differing weights,
    and dishonest scales do not please him.(JQ)

24 A person’s steps are directed(JR) by the Lord.(JS)
    How then can anyone understand their own way?(JT)

25 It is a trap to dedicate something rashly
    and only later to consider one’s vows.(JU)

26 A wise king winnows out the wicked;
    he drives the threshing wheel over them.(JV)

27 The human spirit is[i] the lamp of the Lord(JW)
    that sheds light on one’s inmost being.(JX)

28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;
    through love(JY) his throne is made secure.(JZ)

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

30 Blows and wounds scrub(KB) away evil,
    and beatings(KC) purge the inmost being.

21 In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water
    that he channels toward all who please him.(KD)

A person may think their own ways are right,
    but the Lord weighs the heart.(KE)

To do what is right and just
    is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.(KF)

Haughty eyes(KG) and a proud heart—
    the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.

The plans of the diligent lead to profit(KH)
    as surely as haste leads to poverty.

A fortune made by a lying tongue
    is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.[j](KI)

The violence of the wicked will drag them away,(KJ)
    for they refuse to do what is right.

The way of the guilty is devious,(KK)
    but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

Better to live on a corner of the roof
    than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.(KL)

10 The wicked crave evil;
    their neighbors get no mercy from them.

11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;
    by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge.(KM)

12 The Righteous One[k] takes note of the house of the wicked
    and brings the wicked to ruin.(KN)

13 Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor
    will also cry out(KO) and not be answered.(KP)

14 A gift given in secret soothes anger,
    and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.(KQ)

15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous
    but terror to evildoers.(KR)

16 Whoever strays from the path of prudence
    comes to rest in the company of the dead.(KS)

17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor;
    whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.(KT)

18 The wicked become a ransom(KU) for the righteous,
    and the unfaithful for the upright.

19 Better to live in a desert
    than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.(KV)

20 The wise store up choice food and olive oil,
    but fools gulp theirs down.

21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love
    finds life, prosperity[l](KW) and honor.(KX)

22 One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty(KY)
    and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.

23 Those who guard their mouths(KZ) and their tongues
    keep themselves from calamity.(LA)

24 The proud and arrogant person(LB)—“Mocker” is his name—
    behaves with insolent fury.

25 The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him,(LC)
    because his hands refuse to work.
26 All day long he craves for more,
    but the righteous(LD) give without sparing.(LE)

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable(LF)
    how much more so when brought with evil intent!(LG)

28 A false witness(LH) will perish,(LI)
    but a careful listener will testify successfully.

29 The wicked put up a bold front,
    but the upright give thought to their ways.(LJ)

30 There is no wisdom,(LK) no insight, no plan
    that can succeed against the Lord.(LL)

31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but victory rests with the Lord.(LM)

22 A good name is more desirable than great riches;
    to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.(LN)

Rich and poor have this in common:
    The Lord is the Maker of them all.(LO)

The prudent see danger and take refuge,(LP)
    but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.(LQ)

Humility is the fear of the Lord;
    its wages are riches and honor(LR) and life.(LS)

In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls,(LT)
    but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.

Start(LU) children off on the way they should go,(LV)
    and even when they are old they will not turn from it.(LW)

The rich rule over the poor,
    and the borrower is slave to the lender.

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:22 Or show
  2. Proverbs 14:33 Hebrew; Septuagint and Syriac discerning / but in the heart of fools she is not known
  3. Proverbs 15:11 Hebrew Abaddon
  4. Proverbs 16:20 Or whoever speaks prudently finds what is good
  5. Proverbs 16:21 Or words make a person persuasive
  6. Proverbs 16:23 Or prudent / and make their lips persuasive
  7. Proverbs 19:7 The meaning of the Hebrew for this sentence is uncertain.
  8. Proverbs 19:22 Or Greed is a person’s shame
  9. Proverbs 20:27 Or A person’s words are
  10. Proverbs 21:6 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts vapor for those who seek death
  11. Proverbs 21:12 Or The righteous person
  12. Proverbs 21:21 Or righteousness