Proverbs 10-16
Tree of Life Version
Diligence and Laziness
10 The proverbs of Solomon.
A wise son gives joy to his father,
but a foolish son grief to his mother.
2 Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing,
but righteousness delivers from death.
3 Adonai will not let a righteous soul go hungry,
but thwarts the cravings of the wicked.
4 Lazy hands make a man poor,
but diligent hands bring wealth.
5 He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son,
but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
Sayings of the Mouth Matter
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise in heart accept commands,
but a babbling fool comes to ruin.
9 One who walks in integrity, walks securely,
but one who takes crooked paths will be discovered.
10 One who winks an eye maliciously causes grief,
while a babbling fool comes to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
12 Hatred stirs up strife
but love covers up all transgressions.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
but a rod is for the back of one lacking sense.
14 Wise men store up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool is near ruin.
15 The wealth of a rich man is a strong city.
Poverty is the ruin of the poor.
16 The wages of the righteous are life.
The income of the wicked is sin.[a]
17 One who heeds discipline is on the path of life,
but whoever ignores correction goes astray.
18 One who conceals hatred has lying lips,
and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
19 When words abound, transgression is unavoidable.
but whoever restrains his lips is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver.
The heart of the wicked is of little value.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
but fools die for lack of understanding.
Dread or Hope
22 The blessing of Adonai brings wealth
and He adds no trouble with it.
23 As doing wickedness is delight to a fool,
so is wisdom to a man of discernment.
24 What the wicked dread will fall on them.
The desire of the righteous will be given.
25 When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more,
but the foundation of the righteous is everlasting.
26 Like vinegar to the teeth or smoke to the eyes,
so is a slacker to those who send him.
27 The fear of Adonai prolongs life,
but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 The prospect of the righteous is joy,
but the hope of the wicked perishes.
29 The way of Adonai is a stronghold to the upright,
but it is a ruin to those who do evil.
30 The righteous will never be uprooted,
but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
31 The mouth of the righteous bears the fruit of wisdom,
but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is pleasing,
but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
Integrity of Scales and Soul
11 Dishonest scales are an abomination to Adonai,
but an accurate weight is His delight.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with the humble is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.
4 Riches make no profit in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless man makes his way straight,
but the wicked man is brought down by his wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them,
but the treacherous are trapped by their desire.
Righteousness Builds Up a City
7 When the wicked dies, his hope perishes,
and the hope of the strong vanishes.
8 The righteous is rescued from trouble.
Instead it comes on the wicked.
9 With his mouth the ungodly destroys his neighbor,
but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.
10 When the righteous do well, a city rejoices.
When the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.
11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
12 One who despises his neighbor lacks sense,
but one with discernment remains silent.
13 A gossip reveals secrets,
but one who is trustworthy conceals a matter.
14 Without guidance people fall,
with many counselors there is deliverance.
15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will have trouble,
but whoever avoids shaking hands on such a deal is secure.
Rewards for Righteous or Ruthless
16 A gracious woman gains honor,
but ruthless men seize riches.
17 A kind man does his own soul good,
but a cruel man harms his own flesh.
18 The wicked earn deceptive wages,
but a sower of righteousness reaps a true reward.
19 Steadfast righteousness leads to life,
but pursuing evil ends in death.
20 Perverse hearts are an abomination to Adonai.
His favor is on those blameless in their ways.
21 Be sure,[b] the evil will not go unpunished,
but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.
22 Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout
is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good,
but the hope of the wicked only wrath.
24 One gives freely, yet gains even more.
Another withholds unjustly, and comes to poverty.
25 A soul who blesses will prosper,
and one who gives water will himself be satisfied.
26 People curse anyone withholding grain,
but blessing is on the head of one who dispenses it.
27 A person who diligently seeks good finds favor,
but to one who searches for evil, evil comes to him!
28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,
but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.
29 Whoever troubles his own household will inherit wind,
and the fool will be a servant to the wise-hearted.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
and whoever wins souls is wise.
31 If the righteous is rewarded on earth,
how much more the wicked and the sinner![c]
The Righteous and the Wicked
12 Whoever loves knowledge loves correction,
but whoever hates reproof is stupid.
2 A good man obtains favor from Adonai,
but He condemns a person with evil schemes.
3 No one is made secure by wickedness,
but a righteous root will not be moved.
4 A virtuous wife is her husband’s crown,
but a dishonoring one is like rottenness in his bones.
5 The plans of the righteous are just,
but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,
but the mouth of the upright delivers them.
7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
but the household of the righteous will stand.
8 A man is praised according to his insight,
but one with a twisted mind is despised.
9 Better to have little honor and a servant
than to have glory and no bread.
Caring for Animals and Land
10 A righteous person cares for the life of his animal,
yet even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.
11 The one who works his land will have plenty of food,
but whoever chases daydreams lacks sense.
12 The wicked covets the loot of evil men,
but the root of the righteous flourishes.
Fruit of Mouth
13 An evil one is ensnared by the sin of lips,
but the righteous one escapes trouble.
14 By the fruit of his mouth a man will be satisfied with good.
The work of a man’s hands will reward him.
15 A fool’s way is right in his own eyes,
but the wise listen to advice.
16 A fool shows his irritation immediately,
but a prudent person overlooks an insult.
17 A trustworthy witness tells what is right,
but a false witness, deceit.
18 Reckless speech is like the thrusts of a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue for only a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil,
but those promoting shalom have joy.
21 No harm befalls the righteous,
but the wicked are full of misery.
22 Lying lips are detestable to Adonai,
but those who act faithfully are His delight.
23 A clever person conceals his knowledge,
but the heart of a fool blurts out folly.
Diligence or Sloth
24 The hand of the diligent will rule,
but the lazy will become forced labor.
25 An anxious heart weighs one down,
but a good word cheers him up.
26 The righteous gives his friend guidance,
but the way of the wicked leads astray.
27 A lazy person does not roast his game,
but a diligent person prizes his possessions.
28 In the path of righteousness is life—
it is a path to immortality.
Guard the Way of Integrity
13 A wise son heeds his father’s discipline,
but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
2 From the fruit of a man’s mouth he enjoys good things,
but the treacherous crave violence.
3 He who watches his mouth protects his life,
but whoever opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
4 The slacker’s soul craves, yet has nothing,
but the diligent soul will be satisfied.
5 A righteous person hates lying,
but the wicked acts in shameful disgrace.
6 Righteousness guards one who walks in integrity,
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
7 One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.[d]
8 A man’s riches may ransom his life,
but a poor person hears no threat.
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly.
The lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
10 Arrogance yields nothing but strife.
Wisdom belongs to those who take advice.
11 Wealth gained by fraud dwindles,
but he who gathers by labor increases it.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 Whoever despises instruction will pay a penalty,
but whoever respects a mitzvah will be rewarded.
14 Wise instruction is a fountain of life,
turning one away from snares of death.
15 Good understanding wins favor,
but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
16 Everyone shrewd acts with knowledge,
but a fool flaunts folly.
The Wise and the Foolish
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a faithful envoy brings healing.
18 He who spurns discipline comes to poverty and shame,
but whoever accepts correction will be honored.
19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but fools detest turning away from evil.
20 He who walks with wise men is wise,
but a companion of fools suffers harm.
21 Misfortune pursues sinners,
but prosperity rewards the righteous.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
23 The fallow field of the poor yields much food,
but it is swept away by injustice.
24 He who spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is diligent with discipline.[e]
25 The righteous eats to his heart’s content,
but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
Wisdom Builds Up, Folly Tears Down
14 A wise woman builds her house,
but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
2 The one who walks uprightly fears Adonai,
but one devious in his ways despises Him.
3 In the mouth of a fool is a rod for his back,
but the lips of the wise protect them.
4 Where there are no oxen, the stalls are clean,
but from the strength of the ox comes an abundant harvest.
5 A trustworthy witness does not lie,
but a false witness breathes out lies.
6 A scoffer seeks wisdom yet finds none,
but knowledge is easy to the discerning.
7 Walk away from a fool—
for you will find no knowledge on his lips.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to consider his way,
but the folly of fools is deception.
9 Fools mock guilt of sin,
but among the upright is goodwill.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness,
and no one else can share its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be demolished,
but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its end is the way to death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may ache,
and the end of joy may be grief.
14 A backsliding heart partakes of its ways,
and a good man is rewarded for his.
15 The naïve believes every word,
but the shrewd discerns his steps.
16 The wise fears and turns away from evil,
but the fool is hotheaded and reckless.
17 One with a short temper acts foolishly,
and one with crafty schemes is hated.
18 The naïve inherit folly,
but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 Evil men will bow in the presence of the good,
and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
Poverty and Riches
20 The poor is hated even by his neighbor,
but many are those who love the rich.
21 Whoever despises his neighbor sins,
but whoever is gracious to the needy is blessed.
22 Indeed those who plot evil go astray
but grace and truth come to those who plan good.
23 In all hard work there is profit,
but mere talk leads only to poverty.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches,
but the folly of fools is foolishness.
25 A truthful witness saves lives,
but one who utters lies is treacherous.
26 In the fear of Adonai one has strong confidence.
It will be a refuge for His children.
27 The fear of Adonai is a fountain of life,
turning one from the snares of death.
28 A large population is a king’s glory,
but lack of subjects is a prince’s ruin.
29 One who is slow to anger shows great understanding,
but a quick-tempered one exalts folly.
30 A tranquil heart is life to the body,
but envy is rottenness to the bones.
31 The one who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker,
but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him.
32 The wicked is brought down in his calamity
yet the righteous has a refuge even in death.
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning,
and even among fools she is known.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a disgrace to any people.
35 The king shows favor toward a servant who acts wisely,
but his wrath is on one who is disgraceful.
Tongue of the Wise
15 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise treats knowledge correctly,
but the mouth of fools spouts folly.
3 The eyes of Adonai are everywhere,
observing the wicked and the good.
4 A healing tongue is a tree of life,
but a deceitful one crushes the spirit.
5 A fool despises his father’s discipline,
but one who accepts reproof is smart.
6 The house of the righteous has great wealth,
but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
but not so the heart of fools.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Adonai,
but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
Pursue Righteousness and Reproof
9 Adonai detests the way of the wicked,
but loves those who pursue righteousness.
10 Stern correction awaits one who forsakes the way.
One who hates reproof will die.
11 Sheol and Abaddon[f] are before Adonai—
how much more the hearts of people!
12 A mocker dislikes one who corrects him;
he will not go to the wise.
Heart Attitude Matters
13 A joyful heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit.
14 A discerning heart seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.
15 All the days of the afflicted are bad,
but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16 Better is little with the fear of Adonai
than great wealth with turmoil.
17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love,
than a fattened ox where there is hatred.
18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,
but one who is slow to anger calms a quarrel.
19 The way of the slacker is a hedge of thorns,
but the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise child brings joy to his father,
but a foolish person despises his mother.
21 Folly is joy to one who lacks sense,
but one with discernment walks straight.
22 Plans fail when there is no counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.
23 A person has joy in an appropriate answer—
how good is a timely word.
24 The path of life leads upward for the wise
to keep him from going down to Sheol.
25 Adonai tears down a proud man’s house,
but He maintains the widow’s boundary.
26 Evil thoughts are an abomination to Adonai,
but pleasant words are pure.
27 One greedy for gain troubles his household,
but whoever hates bribes will live.
28 A righteous heart thinks before answering,
but a wicked mouth blurts out evil things.
29 Adonai is far from the wicked,
but hears the prayer of the righteous.[g]
30 Bright eyes bring joy to the heart.
Good news gives health to the bones.
31 One whose ear heeds
a life-giving reproof dwells among the wise.
32 Whoever avoids correction despises himself,
but whoever heeds reproof acquires understanding.
33 The fear of Adonai is the discipline of wisdom,
and humility comes before honor.
Commit Your Heart to Adonai
16 The plans of the heart belong to man,
but the tongue’s answer is from Adonai.
2 All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes,
but Adonai weighs the motives.
3 Commit whatever you do to Adonai,
and your plans will succeed.
4 Adonai works everything out for his own purpose—
even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5 Adonai abhors all the proud in heart.
Be assured, they will not go unpunished.
6 By mercy and truth is iniquity atoned,
and by the fear of Adonai one avoids evil.
7 When one’s ways are pleasing to Adonai,
he makes even his enemies be at peace with him.
8 Better a little with righteousness
than much income without justice.
9 The heart of man plans his course,
but Adonai directs his steps.
The Delights of a Just King
10 An oracle is on the lips of the king—
let his mouth never be treacherous in judgment.
11 Honest balances and scales are Adonai’s.
All the weights in a bag are His handiwork.
12 Wrongdoing is an abomination to kings,
for a throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings.
He loves those who speak honestly.
14 A king’s fury is like messengers of death,
but a wise man will appease it.
15 In the light of a king’s face there is life,
and his favor like a cloud of spring rain.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to choose understanding rather than silver.
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil.
He who guards his way protects his life.
18 Pride goes before destruction
and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly in spirit with the afflicted
than to share the spoil with the proud.
20 One prudent in a matter will find good
Blessed is the one who trusts in Adonai.
21 The wise in heart is called discerning,
and sweetness of lips increases persuasiveness.
22 Insight is a fountain of life to one who has it,
but folly leads to the discipline of fools.
23 A wise man’s heart teaches his mouth
and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are honeycomb—sweet to the soul
and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its end is the way to death.
26 A laborer’s appetite works on his behalf,
for his hunger drives him on.
Slow to Anger
27 A wicked scoundrel digs up evil,
and on his lips is a scorching fire.[h]
28 A perverse person sows strife,
and a gossip separates close friends.
29 A violent person lures his neighbor,
leading him down a path that is no good.
30 One who winks his eyes schemes deceit,
one who purses his lips is bent on evil.
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory,
found on the path of righteousness.
32 Better to be slow to anger than a mighty warrior.
One who controls his temper is better than one who conquers a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
but their very decision is from Adonai.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 10:16 cf. Rom. 6:23.
- Proverbs 11:21 Lit. Hand to hand. Meaning of Hebrew uncertain.
- Proverbs 11:31 cf. 1 Pet. 4:18.
- Proverbs 13:7 cf. 2 Cor. 6:10.
- Proverbs 13:24 cf. Heb. 12:7.
- Proverbs 15:11 Or “Death and Destruction”.
- Proverbs 15:29 cf. John 9:31.
- Proverbs 16:27 cf. Jacob 3:6.
Tree of Life (TLV) Translation of the Bible. Copyright © 2015 by The Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society.