Proverbs 10-19
Holman Christian Standard Bible
A Collection of Solomon’s Proverbs
10 Solomon’s proverbs:(A)
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)
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)
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)
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.
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)
32 The lips of the righteous know what is appropriate,(AP)
but the mouth of the wicked, only what is perverse.(AQ)
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.
18 The wicked man earns an empty wage,
but the one who sows righteousness, a true reward.(BJ)
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)
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)
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.
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)
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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)
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)
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.
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)
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.
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)
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.
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)
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.
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)
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
18 Pride comes before destruction,
and an arrogant spirit before a fall.(IG)
20 The one who understands a matter finds success,(IJ)
and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.(IK)
22 Insight is a fountain of life(IM) for its possessor,
but the discipline of fools is folly.
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)
30 The one who narrows his eyes is planning deceptions;
the one who compresses his lips brings about evil.(IV)
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.
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.
10 A rebuke cuts into a perceptive person
more than a hundred lashes into a fool.
12 Better for a man to meet a bear robbed of her cubs(JK)
than a fool in his foolishness.
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.
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)
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)
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.
3 When a wicked man comes, contempt also does,
and along with dishonor, disgrace.
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)
11 A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city;
in his imagination it is like a high wall.(KN)
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)
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)
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.
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.
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)
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)
19 A person with great anger bears the penalty;
if you rescue him, you’ll have to do it again.(MF)
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)
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)
Footnotes
- Proverbs 10:22 Or and He adds no trouble to it
- Proverbs 10:27 Lit Lord adds to days
- Proverbs 11:7 LXX reads hope of the ungodly
- Proverbs 11:7 Or strength
- Proverbs 11:16 Or ruthless
- Proverbs 11:21 Lit Hand to hand
- Proverbs 11:30 LXX, Syr; MT reads but a wise one
- Proverbs 12:4 Or A wife of quality, or A wife of good character
- Proverbs 12:12 Or desire a stronghold of evil
- Proverbs 12:26 Or man guides his neighbor
- Proverbs 12:28 Or righteousness, and in its path there is no death
- Proverbs 13:6 Lit guards integrity of way
- Proverbs 13:11 Lit whoever gathers upon [his] hand
- Proverbs 13:15 LXX, Syr, Tg read treacherous will perish
- Proverbs 13:22 Or inheritance: his
- Proverbs 14:3 Some emend to In the mouth of a fool is a rod for his back
- Proverbs 14:4 Or clean
- Proverbs 14:9 Or at guilt offerings
- Proverbs 14:11 Lit flourish
- Proverbs 14:15 Lit the prudent understand
- Proverbs 14:16 Or and falls
- Proverbs 14:23 Lit but word of lips
- Proverbs 14:33 LXX reads unknown
- Proverbs 15:4 Lit but crookedness in it
- Proverbs 15:23 Lit in an answer of his mouth
- Proverbs 15:30 Lit makes fat
- Proverbs 15:31 Lit An ear that
- Proverbs 15:32 Lit acquires a heart
- Proverbs 16:2 Lit weighs spirits
- Proverbs 16:5 Lit hand to hand
- Proverbs 16:7 Or he
- Proverbs 16:10 Or A divination is on the lips of a king
- Proverbs 16:11 Merchants kept the stones for their scales in a bag.
- Proverbs 16:12 Either the king’s or someone else’s behavior
- Proverbs 16:19 Alt Hb tradition reads afflicted
- Proverbs 16:21 Lit and sweetness of lips
- Proverbs 16:23 Lit learning upon his lips
- Proverbs 16:24 Lit throat
- Proverbs 16:24 Lit bones
- Proverbs 16:26 Lit mouth
- Proverbs 16:32 Lit and ruling over one’s spirit
- Proverbs 17:4 Lit to lips of iniquity
- Proverbs 17:11 Or a merciless angel
- Proverbs 17:18 Lit sense shakes hands
- Proverbs 17:26 Or noble unfairly
- Proverbs 17:27 Lit spirit
- Proverbs 18:2 Lit to uncover his heart
- Proverbs 18:4 Or waters; a fountain of wisdom is a flowing river.
- Proverbs 18:8 Lit to the chambers of the belly
- Proverbs 18:9 Lit master of destruction
- Proverbs 18:10 Lit raised high
- Proverbs 18:16 Lit gift makes room
- Proverbs 18:19 LXX, Syr, Tg, Vg read is stronger
- Proverbs 18:24 Some LXX mss, Syr, Tg, Vg read friends must be friendly
- Proverbs 19:2 Lit who is hasty with feet
- Proverbs 19:7 Hb uncertain
- Proverbs 19:8 Lit acquires a heart
- Proverbs 19:16 Or despises, or treats lightly
- Proverbs 19:17 Lit to him
- Proverbs 19:18 Lit don’t lift up your soul to his death
- Proverbs 19:20 Lit in your end
- Proverbs 19:23 Lit will spend the night satisfied
Proverbs 10-18
New International Version
Proverbs of Solomon
10 The proverbs(A) of Solomon:(B)
A wise son brings joy to his father,(C)
but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
5 He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son,
but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.(J)
8 The wise in heart accept commands,
but a chattering fool comes to ruin.(O)
9 Whoever walks in integrity(P) walks securely,(Q)
but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.(R)
10 Whoever winks maliciously(S) causes grief,
and a chattering fool comes to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,(T)
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.(U)
12 Hatred stirs up conflict,
but love covers over all wrongs.(V)
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,(W)
but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.(X)
17 Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,(AE)
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
18 Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips(AF)
and spreads slander is a fool.
19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
but the prudent hold their tongues.(AG)
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
21 The lips of the righteous nourish many,
but fools die for lack of sense.(AH)
23 A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes,(AL)
but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.
28 The prospect of the righteous is joy,
but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.(AV)
29 The way of the Lord is a refuge for the blameless,
but it is the ruin of those who do evil.(AW)
30 The righteous will never be uprooted,
but the wicked will not remain in the land.(AX)
31 From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom,(AY)
but a perverse tongue(AZ) will be silenced.
32 The lips of the righteous know what finds favor,(BA)
but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.(BB)
3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.(BG)
5 The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight,(BK)
but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.(BL)
6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.(BM)
7 Hopes placed in mortals die with them;(BN)
all the promise of[c] their power comes to nothing.(BO)
8 The righteous person is rescued from trouble,
and it falls on the wicked instead.(BP)
9 With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors,
but through knowledge the righteous escape.(BQ)
10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices;(BR)
when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.(BS)
11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,(BT)
but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.(BU)
12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense,(BV)
but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.(BW)
15 Whoever puts up security(CB) for a stranger will surely suffer,
but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.(CC)
16 A kindhearted woman gains honor,(CD)
but ruthless men gain only wealth.
17 Those who are kind benefit themselves,
but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.
18 A wicked person earns deceptive wages,
but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.(CE)
20 The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse,(CH)
but he delights(CI) in those whose ways are blameless.(CJ)
21 Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished,
but those who are righteous will go free.(CK)
22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout
is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good,
but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
26 People curse the one who hoards grain,
but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.
27 Whoever seeks good finds favor,
but evil comes to one who searches for it.(CN)
28 Those who trust in their riches will fall,(CO)
but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.(CP)
29 Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind,
and the fool will be servant to the wise.(CQ)
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,(CR)
and the one who is wise saves lives.
31 If the righteous receive their due(CS) on earth,
how much more the ungodly and the sinner!
12 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but whoever hates correction is stupid.(CT)
3 No one can be established through wickedness,
but the righteous cannot be uprooted.(CW)
4 A wife of noble character(CX) is her husband’s crown,
but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.(CY)
5 The plans of the righteous are just,
but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
but the speech of the upright rescues them.(CZ)
8 A person is praised according to their prudence,
and one with a warped(DC) mind is despised.
9 Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant
than pretend to be somebody and have no food.
10 The righteous care for the needs of their animals,(DD)
but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
11 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
but those who chase fantasies have no sense.(DE)
12 The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers,
but the root of the righteous endures.
14 From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,(DH)
and the work of their hands brings them reward.(DI)
17 An honest witness tells the truth,
but a false witness tells lies.(DO)
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but those who promote peace have joy.(DR)
21 No harm overtakes the righteous,(DS)
but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
24 Diligent hands will rule,
but laziness ends in forced labor.(DY)
25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,(DZ)
but a kind word cheers it up.
26 The righteous choose their friends carefully,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.(EA)
27 The lazy do not roast[d] any game,
but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.
28 In the way of righteousness there is life;(EB)
along that path is immortality.
13 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.(EC)
2 From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things,(ED)
but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.
3 Those who guard their lips(EE) preserve their lives,(EF)
but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.(EG)
4 A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,(EH)
but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
5 The righteous hate what is false,(EI)
but the wicked make themselves a stench
and bring shame on themselves.
6 Righteousness guards the person of integrity,
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.(EJ)
7 One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;(EK)
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.(EL)
8 A person’s riches may ransom their life,
but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.(EM)
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.(EN)
10 Where there is strife, there is pride,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.(EO)
11 Dishonest money dwindles away,(EP)
but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.(EQ)
13 Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,(ER)
but whoever respects(ES) a command is rewarded.(ET)
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,(EU)
turning a person from the snares of death.(EV)
15 Good judgment wins favor,
but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.[e]
18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,(FA)
but whoever heeds correction is honored.(FB)
19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,(FC)
but fools detest turning from evil.
20 Walk with the wise and become wise,
for a companion of fools suffers harm.(FD)
22 A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,
but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.(FH)
23 An unplowed field produces food for the poor,
but injustice sweeps it away.
24 Whoever spares the rod(FI) hates their children,
but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline(FJ) them.(FK)
25 The righteous eat to their hearts’ content,
but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.(FL)
14 The wise woman builds her house,(FM)
but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
2 Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly,
but those who despise him are devious in their ways.
4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty,
but from the strength of an ox(FP) come abundant harvests.
5 An honest witness does not deceive,
but a false witness pours out lies.(FQ)
6 The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none,
but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.(FR)
7 Stay away from a fool,
for you will not find knowledge on their lips.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,(FS)
but the folly of fools is deception.(FT)
9 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.
13 Even in laughter(FY) the heart may ache,
and rejoicing may end in grief.
15 The simple believe anything,
but the prudent give thought to their steps.(GB)
17 A quick-tempered person(GE) does foolish things,(GF)
and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.(GG)
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.(GH)
20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors,
but the rich have many friends.(GI)
22 Do not those who plot evil go astray?(GL)
But those who plan what is good find[g] 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.(GM)
25 A truthful witness saves lives,
but a false witness is deceitful.(GN)
26 Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress,(GO)
and for their children it will be a refuge.(GP)
28 A large population is a king’s glory,
but without subjects a prince is ruined.(GS)
29 Whoever is patient has great understanding,(GT)
but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.(GU)
30 A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.(GV)
31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,(GW)
but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.(GX)
32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,(GY)
but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.(GZ)
33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning(HA)
and even among fools she lets herself be known.[h]
34 Righteousness exalts a nation,(HB)
but sin condemns any people.
35 A king delights in a wise servant,
but a shameful servant arouses his fury.(HC)
5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,
but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.(HN)
6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure,(HO)
but the income of the wicked brings ruin.(HP)
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge,(HQ)
but the hearts of fools are not upright.
8 The Lord detests the sacrifice(HR) of the wicked,(HS)
but the prayer of the upright pleases him.(HT)
10 Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path;
the one who hates correction will die.(HW)
12 Mockers resent correction,(HZ)
so they avoid the wise.
14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,(IC)
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.(ID)
16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord
than great wealth with turmoil.(IE)
17 Better a small serving of vegetables with love
than a fattened calf with hatred.(IF)
19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,(II)
but the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise son brings joy to his father,(IJ)
but a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,(IK)
but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.
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,(IQ)
but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.(IR)
26 The Lord detests the thoughts(IS) of the wicked,(IT)
but gracious words are pure(IU) in his sight.
27 The greedy bring ruin to their households,
but the one who hates bribes will live.(IV)
29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.(IY)
30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones.(IZ)
31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction
will be at home among the wise.(JA)
32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,(JB)
but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.(JC)
16 To humans belong the plans of the heart,
but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.(JF)
3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.(JJ)
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
through the fear of the Lord(JO) evil is avoided.(JP)
7 When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way,
he causes their enemies to make peace(JQ) with them.(JR)
9 In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.(JU)
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
and his mouth does not betray justice.(JV)
11 Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord;
all the weights in the bag are of his making.(JW)
12 Kings detest wrongdoing,
for a throne is established through righteousness.(JX)
13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
they value the one who speaks what is right.(JY)
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;
those who guard their ways preserve their lives.(KF)
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,[j](KJ)
and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.(KK)
22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,(KM)
but folly brings punishment to fools.
26 The appetite of laborers works for them;
their hunger drives them on.
29 A violent person entices their neighbor
and leads them down a path that is not good.(KX)
30 Whoever winks(KY) with their eye is plotting perversity;
whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.
31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor;(KZ)
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.
17 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet
than a house full of feasting, with strife.(LD)
2 A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son
and will share the inheritance as one of the family.
4 A wicked person listens to deceitful lips;
a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
5 Whoever mocks the poor(LG) shows contempt for their Maker;(LH)
whoever gloats over disaster(LI) will not go unpunished.(LJ)
6 Children’s children(LK) are a crown to the aged,
and parents are the pride of their children.
7 Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool—
how much worse lying lips to a ruler!(LL)
8 A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it;
they think success will come at every turn.(LM)
9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,(LN)
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.(LO)
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.(LP)
14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.(LS)
16 Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom,
when they are not able to understand it?(LV)
17 A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for a time of adversity.(LW)
18 One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge
and puts up security for a neighbor.(LX)
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.(LY)
24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
but a fool’s eyes(MD) wander to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son brings grief to his father
and bitterness to the mother who bore him.(ME)
26 If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good,(MF)
surely to flog honest officials is not right.
27 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,(MG)
and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.(MH)
28 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
and discerning if they hold their tongues.(MI)
18 An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends
and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.
2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding
but delight in airing their own opinions.(MJ)
3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt,
and with shame comes reproach.
4 The words of the mouth are deep waters,(MK)
but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 10:6 Or righteous, / but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence
- Proverbs 10:7 See Gen. 48:20.
- Proverbs 11:7 Two Hebrew manuscripts; most Hebrew manuscripts, Vulgate, Syriac and Targum When the wicked die, their hope perishes; / all they expected from
- Proverbs 12:27 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
- Proverbs 13:15 Septuagint and Syriac; the meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain.
- Proverbs 13:16 Or prudent protect themselves through
- Proverbs 14:22 Or show
- Proverbs 14:33 Hebrew; Septuagint and Syriac discerning / but in the heart of fools she is not known
- Proverbs 15:11 Hebrew Abaddon
- Proverbs 16:20 Or whoever speaks prudently finds what is good
- Proverbs 16:21 Or words make a person persuasive
- Proverbs 16:23 Or prudent / and make their lips persuasive
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