Proverbs 10-26

Holman Christian Standard Bible

A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son, heartache to his mother.^(B)

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 A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city;^(S)
the poverty of the poor is their destruction.

¹⁶ The labor of the righteous leads to life;
the activity of the wicked leads to sin.^(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 wise.^(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 struggle adds nothing to it.^[a](AA)

²³ As shameful conduct is pleasure for a fool,^(AB)
so wisdom is for a man 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 comes to nothing.^(AK)

²⁹ The way of the Lord is a stronghold for the honorable,
but destruction awaits the malicious.^(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 pride 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 man 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)
and when the wicked die, there is joyful shouting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

¹⁷ A kind man benefits himself,^(BH)
but a cruel man brings disaster on himself.^(BI)

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

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

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

²¹ Be assured^[f] that the wicked
will not go unpunished,^(BN)
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.^(BO)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

³⁰ The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,^(CD)
but violence^[g] takes lives.

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

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

² The good person obtains favor from the Lord,^(CG)
but He condemns a man who schemes.^(CH)

³ Man cannot be made secure by wickedness,
but the root of the righteous is immovable.^(CI)

⁴ A capable wife^[h] is her husband’s crown,^(CJ)
but a wife who causes shame
is like rottenness in his bones.^(CK)

⁵ The thoughts of the righteous are just,
but guidance from the wicked leads to deceit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

¹² The wicked desire what evil men have,^[i]
but the root of the righteous produces fruit.

¹³ An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech,^(CT)
but a righteous one escapes from trouble.^(CU)

¹⁴ A man will be satisfied with good
by the words of his mouth,^(CV)
and the work of a man’s hands will reward him.^(CW)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

²² Lying lips are detestable to the Lord,^(DF)
but faithful people are His delight.^(DG)

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

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

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

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

²⁷ A lazy man doesn’t roast his game,^(DL)
but to a diligent man, his wealth is precious.^(DM)

²⁸ There is life in the path of righteousness,
but another path leads to death.^[k](DN)

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

² From the words of his mouth,
a man will enjoy good things,^(DO)
but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.^(DP)

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

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

⁵ The righteous hate lying,
but the wicked act disgustingly and disgracefully.

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

⁷ One man pretends to be rich but has nothing;^(DU)
another pretends to be poor but has great wealth.^(DV)

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

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

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

¹¹ Wealth obtained by fraud will dwindle,^(EA)
but whoever earns it through labor^[m] will multiply it.^(EB)

¹² Delayed hope makes the heart sick,
but fulfilled desire is a tree of life.^(EC)

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

¹⁴ A wise man’s instruction is a fountain of life,^(EF)
turning people away from the snares of death.^(EG)

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

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

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

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

¹⁹ Desire fulfilled is sweet to the taste,
but to turn from evil^(EL)
is an abomination to fools.

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.^(EM)

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

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,^(EO)
but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.^(EP)

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

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

² Whoever lives with integrity fears the Lord,^(ET)
but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him.^(EU)

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

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

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

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

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

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

⁹ Fools mock at making restitution,^[r]
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 stand.^[s](EY)

¹² There is a way that seems right to a man,^(EZ)
but its end is the way to death.^(FA)

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

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

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

¹⁶ A wise man is cautious and turns from evil,^(FE)
but a fool is easily angered and is careless.^[u]

¹⁷ A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,
and a man who schemes is hated.^(FF)

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

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

²⁰ A poor man is hated even by his neighbor,^(FG)
but there are many who love the rich.^(FH)

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

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

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

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.^(FN)

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

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

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,^(FQ)
but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.

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

³¹ The one who oppresses the poor person insults his Maker,^(FT)
but one who is kind to the needy honors Him.^(FU)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,^(GG)
but the prayer of the upright is His delight.^(GH)

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

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^(GJ)—
how much more, human hearts.^(GK)

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

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

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

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.^(GP)

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

¹⁸ A hot-tempered man stirs up conflict,^(GS)
but a man slow to anger^(GT) calms strife.

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

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

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

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

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

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

²⁵ The Lord destroys the house of the proud,
but He protects the widow’s territory.^(GZ)

²⁶ The Lord detests the plans of an evil man,
but pleasant words are pure.^(HA)

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

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

²⁹ The Lord is far from the wicked,^(HF)
but He hears the prayer of the righteous.^(HG)

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

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

³² Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself,^(HJ)
but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.^[ab](HK)

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

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

² All a man’s ways seem right to him,
but the Lord evaluates the motives.^[ac](HN)

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

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

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

⁶ Wickedness is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness,^(HS)
and one turns from evil by the fear of the Lord.^(HT)

⁷ When a man’s ways please the Lord,
He^[ae] makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.^(HU)

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

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

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

¹¹ Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s;
all the weights in the bag^[ag] are His concern.^(HZ)

¹² Wicked behavior^[ah] is detestable to kings,^(IA)
since a throne is established through righteousness.^(IB)

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 man appeases it.^(IC)

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.^(ID)

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

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

¹⁹ Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble^[ai](IH)
than to divide plunder with the proud.^(II)

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

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

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

²³ A wise heart instructs its mouth
and increases learning with its speech.^[ak](IN)

²⁴ Pleasant words are a honeycomb:^(IO)
sweet to the taste^[al] and health to the body.^[am](IP)

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

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

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

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

²⁹ A violent man lures his neighbor,^(IT)
leading him in a way that is not good.^(IU)

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

³¹ Gray hair is a glorious crown;^(IW)
it is found in the way of righteousness.^(IX)

³² Patience is better than power,
and controlling one’s temper,^[ao] than capturing a city.^(IY)

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

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

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

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

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

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

⁶ Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly,
and the pride of sons 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^(JF) seems like a magic stone to its owner;
wherever he turns, he succeeds.^(JG)

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

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

¹¹ An evil man seeks only rebellion;
a cruel messenger^[aq](JJ) will be sent against him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

¹⁹ One who loves to offend loves strife;^(JS)
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.^(JT)

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

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

²³ A wicked man secretly takes a bribe^(JW)
to subvert the course of justice.^(JX)

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

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

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

²⁷ The intelligent person restrains his words,^(KB)
and one who keeps a cool head^[at]
is a man of understanding.

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

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

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

³ When a wicked man comes, contempt also does,
and along with dishonor, disgrace.

⁴ The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters,^(KE)
a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.^[av]

⁵ It is not good to show partiality to the guilty^(KF)
by perverting the justice due the innocent.^(KG)

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

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

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

⁹ The one who is truly lazy in his work
is brother to a vandal.^[ax](KK)

¹⁰ The name of Yahweh is a strong tower;^(KL)
the righteous run to it and are protected.^[ay](KM)

¹¹ A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city;
in his imagination it is like a high wall.^(KN)

¹² Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud,^(KO)
but humility comes before honor.^(KP)

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

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

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

¹⁶ A gift opens doors^[az] for a man
and brings him before the great.^(KT)

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

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

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

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

²¹ Life and death are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.^(KX)

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

²³ The poor man pleads,^(LA)
but the rich one answers roughly.^(LB)

²⁴ A man with many friends may be harmed,^[bb]
but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.^(LC)

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

² Even zeal is not good without knowledge,^(LE)
and the one who acts hastily^[bc] sins.^(LF)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

¹⁶ The one who keeps commands preserves himself;^(MA)
one who disregards^[bf] his ways will die.^(MB)

¹⁷ Kindness to the poor is a loan to the Lord,^(MC)
and He will give a reward to the lender.^[bg](MD)

¹⁸ Discipline your son while there is hope;
don’t be intent on killing him.^[bh](ME)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

²⁶ The one who assaults 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.^(MN)

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

20 Wine is a mocker,^(MP) beer is a brawler,
and whoever staggers 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.^(MQ)

³ It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute,^(MR)
but any fool can get himself into a quarrel.^(MS)

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

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

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

⁷ The one who lives with integrity is righteous;^(MW)
his children^[bm] who come after him will be happy.^(MX)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.^(NE)

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

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

¹⁸ Finalize plans with counsel,^(NH)
and wage war with sound guidance.^(NI)

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

²⁰ Whoever curses his father or mother^(NL)—
his lamp will go out in deep darkness.^(NM)

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

²² Don’t say, “I will avenge this evil!”^(NO)
Wait on the Lord,^(NP) and He will rescue you.^(NQ)

²³ Differing weights^[bp] are detestable to the Lord,^(NR)
and dishonest scales^(NS) are unfair.

²⁴ A man’s steps are determined by the Lord,^(NT)
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.^(NU)

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

²⁷ The Lord’s lamp sheds light on a person’s life,^[bq]
searching the innermost parts.^[br](NX)

²⁸ Loyalty and faithfulness deliver 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.^(NY)

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

21 A king’s heart is like streams of water in the Lord’s hand:
He directs it wherever He chooses.^(OA)

² All a man’s ways seem right to him,
but the Lord evaluates the motives.^[bt](OB)

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

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

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

⁶ Making a fortune through a lying tongue
is a vanishing mist,^[bv] a pursuit of death.^[bw][bx](OF)

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

⁸ A guilty man’s conduct is crooked,^(OG)
but the behavior of the innocent is upright.^(OH)

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

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

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

¹² The Righteous One 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.^(OL)

¹⁴ A secret gift soothes anger,
and a covert bribe,^[bz] fierce rage.^(OM)

¹⁵ Justice executed is a joy to the righteous
but a terror to those who practice iniquity.^(ON)

¹⁶ The man who strays from the way of wisdom
will come to rest
in the assembly of the departed spirits.^(OO)

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

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

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

²⁰ Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of a wise person,
but a foolish man consumes them.^[cb](OS)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

²⁹ A wicked man puts on a bold face,^(PB)
but the upright man considers his way.

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

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

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

² The rich and the poor have this in common:^[cd]
the Lord made them both.^[ce](PG)

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

⁴ The result of humility is fear of the Lord,
along with wealth, honor, and life.^(PI)

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

⁶ Teach a youth about the way he should go;^(PK)
even when he is old he will not depart from it.

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

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

⁹ A generous person^[cf] will be blessed,^(PO)
for he shares his food with the poor.^(PP)

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

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

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!”^(PT)

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

¹⁵ Foolishness is tangled up in the heart of a youth;
the rod of discipline will drive it away from him.^(PV)

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

²² Don’t rob a poor man because he is poor,
and don’t crush the oppressed^(QA) at the gate,^(QB)
23 for the Lord will take up their case^(QC)
and will plunder those who plunder them.

²⁴ Don’t make friends with an angry man,^[ck]
and don’t be a companion of a hot-tempered man,^(QD)
25 or you will learn his ways^(QE)
and entangle yourself in a snare.

²⁶ Don’t be one of those who enter agreements,^[cl]
who put up security for loans.^(QF)
27 If you have no money to pay,
even your bed will be taken from under you.^(QG)

²⁸ Don’t move an ancient boundary marker
that your fathers set up.^(QH)

²⁹ Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will stand in the presence of kings.
He will not stand in the presence of unknown men.^(QI)

23 When you sit down to dine with a ruler,
consider carefully what^[cm] is before you,
² and put a knife to your throat
if you have a big^[cn] appetite;
³ don’t desire his choice food,^(QJ)
for that food is deceptive.

⁴ Don’t wear yourself out to get rich;^(QK)
stop giving your attention to it.
⁵ As soon as your eyes fly to it, it disappears,^(QL)
for it makes wings for itself
and flies like an eagle to the sky.

⁶ Don’t eat a stingy person’s bread,^[co](QM)
and don’t desire his choice food,^(QN)
7 for it’s like someone calculating inwardly.^[cp](QO)
“Eat and drink,” he says to you,
but his heart is not with you.^(QP)
8 You will vomit the little you’ve eaten
and waste your pleasant words.

⁹ Don’t speak to^[cq] a fool,
for he will despise the insight of your words.^(QQ)

¹⁰ Don’t move an ancient boundary marker,^(QR)
and don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
¹¹ for their Redeemer is strong,^(QS)
and He will take up their case against you.^(QT)

¹² Apply yourself to discipline
and listen to words of knowledge.

¹³ Don’t withhold discipline from a youth;
if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.^(QU)
14 Strike him with a rod,
and you will rescue his life from Sheol.^(QV)

¹⁵ My son, if your heart is wise,
my heart will indeed rejoice.^(QW)
16 My innermost being will cheer
when your lips say what is right.^(QX)

¹⁷ Don’t let your heart envy sinners;^(QY)
instead, always fear the Lord.^(QZ)
18 For then you will have a future,
and your hope will never fade.^(RA)

¹⁹ Listen, my son, and be wise;
keep your mind on the right course.
²⁰ Don’t associate with those who drink too much wine^(RB)
or with those who gorge themselves on meat.^(RC)
21 For the drunkard and the glutton will become poor,
and grogginess will clothe them in rags.^(RD)

²² Listen to your father who gave you life,
and don’t despise your mother when^[cr] she is old.^(RE)
23 Buy—and do not sell—truth,
wisdom, instruction, and understanding.^(RF)
24 The father of a righteous son will rejoice greatly,
and one who fathers a wise son will delight in him.^(RG)
25 Let your father and mother have joy,^(RH)
and let her who gave birth to you rejoice.

²⁶ My son, give me your heart,
and let your eyes observe my ways.
²⁷ For a prostitute is a deep pit,^(RI)
and a stranger is a narrow well;
²⁸ indeed, she sets an ambush like a robber^(RJ)
and increases those among men who are unfaithful.

²⁹ Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has conflicts? Who has complaints?
Who has wounds for no reason?^(RK)
Who has red eyes?
³⁰ Those who linger over wine,
those who go looking for mixed wine.^(RL)
31 Don’t gaze at wine because it is red,^(RM)
when it gleams in the cup
and goes down smoothly.^(RN)
32 In the end it bites like a snake
and stings like a viper.
³³ Your eyes will see strange things,
and you will say absurd things.^[cs](RO)
34 You’ll be like someone sleeping out at sea
or lying down on the top of a ship’s mast.
³⁵ “They struck me, but^[ct] I feel no pain!
They beat me, but I didn’t know it!^(RP)
When will I wake up?
I’ll look for another drink.”^(RQ)

24 Don’t envy evil men^(RR)
or desire to be with them,^(RS)
2 for their hearts plan violence,
and their words stir up trouble.^(RT)

³ A house is built by wisdom,^(RU)
and it is established by understanding;
⁴ by knowledge the rooms are filled
with every precious and beautiful treasure.

⁵ A wise warrior is better than a strong one,^[cu]
and a man of knowledge than one of strength;^[cv](RV)
6 for you should wage war with sound guidance—
victory comes with many counselors.^(RW)

⁷ Wisdom is inaccessible to^[cw] a fool;^(RX)
he does not open his mouth at the gate.^(RY)

⁸ The one who plots evil^(RZ)
will be called a schemer.
⁹ A foolish scheme is sin,
and a mocker is detestable to people.

¹⁰ If you do nothing in a difficult time,
your strength is limited.
¹¹ Rescue those being taken off to death,
and save those stumbling toward slaughter.^(SA)
12 If you say, “But we didn’t know about this,”
won’t He who weighs hearts^(SB) consider it?
Won’t He who protects your life^(SC) know?
Won’t He repay a person according to his work?^(SD)

¹³ Eat honey,^(SE) my son, for it is good,
and the honeycomb is sweet to your palate;^(SF)
14 realize that wisdom is the same for you.^(SG)
If you find it, you will have a future,
and your hope will never fade.^(SH)

¹⁵ Wicked man, don’t set an ambush,
at the camp of the righteous man;^(SI)
don’t destroy his dwelling.
¹⁶ Though a righteous man falls seven times,
he will get up,^(SJ)
but the wicked will stumble into ruin.^(SK)

¹⁷ Don’t gloat when your enemy falls,
and don’t let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,^(SL)
18 or the Lord will see, be displeased,
and turn His wrath away from him.

¹⁹ Don’t be agitated by evildoers,
and don’t envy the wicked.^(SM)
20 For the evil have no future;^(SN)
the lamp of the wicked will be put out.^(SO)

²¹ My son, fear the Lord, as well as the king,^(SP)
and don’t associate with rebels,^[cx]
22 for destruction from them will come suddenly;
who knows what distress these two can bring?

²³ These sayings also belong to the wise:^(SQ)

It is not good to show partiality in judgment.^(SR)
24 Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent”^(SS)—
people will curse him,^(ST) and tribes will denounce him;
²⁵ but it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
and a generous blessing will come to them.

²⁶ He who gives an honest answer
gives a kiss on the lips.

²⁷ Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field;^(SU)
afterward, build your house.

²⁸ Don’t testify against your neighbor without cause.^(SV)
Don’t deceive with your lips.
²⁹ Don’t say, “I’ll do to him what he did to me;
I’ll repay the man for what he has done.”^(SW)

³⁰ I went by the field of a slacker
and by the vineyard of a man lacking sense.
³¹ Thistles had come up everywhere,
weeds covered the ground,^(SX)
and the stone wall was ruined.
³² I saw, and took it to heart;
I looked, and received instruction:
³³ a little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the arms to rest,
³⁴ and your poverty will come like a robber,
your need, like a bandit.^(SY)

² It is the glory of God to conceal a matter^(TB)
and the glory of kings to investigate a matter.
³ As the heaven is high and the earth is deep,
so the hearts of kings cannot be investigated.

⁴ Remove impurities from silver,^(TC)
and a vessel will be produced^[cy] for a silversmith.^(TD)
5 Remove the wicked from the king’s presence,^(TE)
and his throne will be established in righteousness.^(TF)

⁶ Don’t brag about yourself before the king,
and don’t stand in the place of the great;
⁷ for it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here!”
than to demote you in plain view of a noble.^[cz](TG)

⁸ Don’t take a matter to court hastily.^(TH)
Otherwise, what will you do afterward
if your opponent^[da] humiliates you?
⁹ Make your case with your opponent^[db]
without revealing another’s secret;^(TI)
10 otherwise, the one who hears will disgrace you,
and you’ll never live it down.^[dc]

¹¹ A word spoken at the right time
is like gold apples on a silver tray.^[dd](TJ)
12 A wise correction to a receptive ear^(TK)
is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold.

¹³ To those who send him, a trustworthy messenger
is like the coolness of snow on a harvest day;
he refreshes the life of his masters.^(TL)

¹⁴ The man who boasts about a gift that does not exist
is like clouds and wind without rain.^(TM)
15 A ruler can be persuaded through patience,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.^(TN)
16 If you find honey,^(TO) eat only what you need;
otherwise, you’ll get sick from it and vomit.^(TP)
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house;
otherwise, he’ll get sick of you and hate you.

¹⁸ A man giving false testimony against his neighbor^(TQ)
is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.^(TR)
19 Trusting an unreliable person in a difficult time
is like a rotten tooth or a faltering foot.^(TS)

²⁰ Singing songs to a troubled heart
is like taking off clothing on a cold day
or like pouring vinegar on soda.^[de](TT)

²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat,
and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;^(TU)
22 for you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the Lord will reward you.^(TV)

²³ The north wind produces rain,
and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
²⁴ Better to live on the corner of a roof
than to share a house with a nagging wife.^(TW)
25 Good news from a distant land
is like cold water to a parched throat.^[df](TX)
26 A righteous person who yields to the wicked^(TY)
is like a muddied spring or a polluted well.^(TZ)
27 It is not good to eat too much honey^(UA)
or to seek glory after glory.^[dg](UB)
28 A man who does not control his temper^(UC)
is like a city whose wall is broken down.^(UD)

26 Like snow in summer and rain at harvest,^(UE)
honor is inappropriate for a fool.^(UF)
2 Like a flitting sparrow or a fluttering swallow,^(UG)
an undeserved curse goes nowhere.^(UH)
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,^(UI)
and a rod for the backs of fools.^(UJ)
4 Don’t answer a fool according to his foolishness^(UK)
or you’ll be like him yourself.
⁵ Answer a fool according to his foolishness^(UL)
or he’ll become wise in his own eyes.^(UM)
6 The one who sends a message by a fool’s hand^(UN)
cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.^(UO)
7 A proverb in the mouth of a fool
is like lame legs that hang limp.
⁸ Giving honor to a fool
is like binding a stone in a sling.^[dh]
9 A proverb in the mouth of a fool
is like a stick with thorns,
brandished by^[di] the hand of a drunkard.
¹⁰ The one who hires a fool or who hires those passing by
is like an archer who wounds everyone.
¹¹ As a dog returns to its vomit,
so a fool repeats his foolishness.^(UP)
12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?^(UQ)
There is more hope for a fool than for him.^(UR)

¹³ The slacker says, “There’s a lion in the road—
a lion in the public square!”^(US)
14 A door turns on its hinges,
and a slacker, on his bed.^(UT)
15 The slacker buries his hand in the bowl;
he is too weary to bring it to his mouth.^(UU)