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

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

15 The inexperienced one believes anything,(C)
but the sensible one watches[a] his steps.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.(M)

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Footnotes

  1. 14:15 Lit the prudent understands
  2. 14:16 Or and falls
  3. 14:23 Lit but word of lips

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