14 A wise woman builds her house.
    But a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.

² Whoever has respect for the Lord lives a good life.
    But those who hate him walk down an evil path.

³ The proud words of a foolish person sting like a whip.
    But the things wise people say keep them safe.

⁴ Where there are no oxen, the feed box is empty.
    But a strong ox brings in huge harvests.

⁵ An honest witness does not lie.
    But a dishonest witness pours out lies.

⁶ Those who make fun of others look for wisdom and don’t find it.
    But knowledge comes easily to those who understand what is right.

⁷ Stay away from a foolish person.
    You won’t find knowledge in what they say.

⁸ People are wise and understanding when they think about the way they live.
    But people are foolish when their foolish ways trick them.

⁹ Foolish people laugh at making things right when they sin.
    But honest people try to do the right thing.

¹⁰ Each heart knows its own sadness.
    And no one else can share its joy.

¹¹ The houses of sinners will be destroyed.
    But the tents of honest people will stand firm.

¹² There is a way that appears to be right.
    But in the end it leads to death.

¹³ Even when you laugh, your heart can be hurting.
    And your joy can end in sadness.

¹⁴ Those who aren’t faithful will be paid back
    for what they’ve done.
And good people will receive rewards
    for how they’ve lived.

¹⁵ A childish person believes anything.
    But a wise person thinks about how they live.

¹⁶ A wise person has respect for the Lord and avoids evil.
    But a foolish person has a bad temper and yet feels secure.

¹⁷ Anyone who gets angry quickly does foolish things.
    And a person who is tricky is hated.

¹⁸ Childish people act in keeping with their foolish ways.
    But knowledge makes wise people feel like kings.

¹⁹ Evil people will bow down in front of good people.
    And those who do wrong will bow down at the gates of those who do right.

²⁰ Poor people are avoided even by their neighbors.
    But rich people have many friends.

²¹ It is a sin to hate your neighbor.
    But blessed is the person who is kind to those in need.

²² Those who plan evil go down the wrong path.
    But those who plan good find love and truth.

²³ All hard work pays off.
    But if all you do is talk, you will be poor.

²⁴ The wealth of wise people is their crown.
    But the foolish ways of foolish people lead to what is foolish.

²⁵ An honest witness saves lives.
    But a dishonest witness tells lies.

²⁶ Anyone who shows respect for the Lord has a strong tower.
    It will be a safe place for their children.

²⁷ Respect for the Lord is like a fountain that gives life.
    It turns you away from the jaws of death.

²⁸ A large population is a king’s glory.
    But a prince without followers is destroyed.

²⁹ Anyone who is patient has great understanding.
    But anyone who gets angry quickly shows how foolish they are.

³⁰ A peaceful heart gives life to the body.
    But jealousy rots the bones.

³¹ Anyone who crushes poor people makes fun of their Maker.
    But anyone who is kind to those in need honors God.

³² When trouble comes, sinners are brought down.
    But godly people seek safety in God even as they die.

³³ Wisdom rests in the hearts of those who understand what is right.
    And even among foolish people she makes herself known.

³⁴ Doing what is right lifts people up.
    But sin brings judgment to any nation.

³⁵ A king is pleased with a wise servant.
    But a servant who is full of shame stirs up the king’s anger.