Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.(A)

The remembrance of the righteous is a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.(B)

A wise heart accepts commands,(C)
but foolish lips will be destroyed.

The one who lives with integrity lives securely,(D)
but whoever perverts his ways will be found out.(E)

10 A sly wink of the eye(F) causes grief,
and foolish lips will be destroyed.

11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,(G)
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.(H)

12 Hatred stirs up conflicts,
but love covers all offenses.(I)

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
but a rod is for the back of the one who lacks sense.(J)

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The godly are showered with blessings;
    the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

We have happy memories of the godly,
    but the name of a wicked person rots away.

The wise are glad to be instructed,
    but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.

People with integrity walk safely,
    but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.

10 People who wink at wrong cause trouble,
    but a bold reproof promotes peace.[a]

11 The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain;
    the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions.

12 Hatred stirs up quarrels,
    but love makes up for all offenses.

13 Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding,
    but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod.

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Footnotes

  1. 10:10 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.

18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,
and whoever spreads slander is a fool.(A)

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18 Hiding hatred makes you a liar;
    slandering others makes you a fool.

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

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13 A gossip goes around telling secrets,
    but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

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

The words of the wicked are a deadly ambush,(A)
but the speech of the upright rescues them.(B)

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The plans of the godly are just;
    the advice of the wicked is treacherous.

The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush,
    but the words of the godly save lives.

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

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13 The wicked are trapped by their own words,
    but the godly escape such trouble.

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

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

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

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

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15 Fools think their own way is right,
    but the wise listen to others.

16 A fool is quick-tempered,
    but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

17 An honest witness tells the truth;
    a false witness tells lies.

18 Some people make cutting remarks,
    but the words of the wise bring healing.

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

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

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20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;
    joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

21 No harm comes to the godly,
    but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

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

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23 The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge,
    but fools broadcast their foolishness.

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One man pretends to be rich but has nothing;(A)
another pretends to be poor but has great wealth.(B)

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Some who are poor pretend to be rich;
    others who are rich pretend to be poor.

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

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

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16 Wise people think before they act;
    fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.

17 An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble,
    but a reliable messenger brings healing.

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

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The prudent understand where they are going,
    but fools deceive themselves.

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

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:16 Or and falls

16 The wise are cautious[a] and avoid danger;
    fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

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Footnotes

  1. 14:16 Hebrew The wise fear.